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- 200g pasta (penne or fusilli) - 200g block of feta cheese - 500g cherry tomatoes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving) Gather these ingredients before you start. This recipe shines with simple, fresh items. The sweet cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, and the feta cheese brings creaminess. You can pick your favorite pasta, but I love penne or fusilli. They hold the sauce well. Olive oil adds richness and helps roast the tomatoes. Garlic brings a warm, fragrant taste. Dried oregano gives a nice touch of earthiness. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice level. Don’t forget salt and pepper! They are key to bringing out the flavors. Fresh basil leaves will brighten your dish, while Parmesan adds a savory finish. Enjoy gathering these ingredients; they make a wonderful meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). - Prepare a large baking dish with 500g of cherry tomatoes. Spread them evenly. - Place the 200g block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. - Season the tomatoes with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. - Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes. - Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes blister and the feta softens. - Meanwhile, cook 200g of pasta in salted water until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. - Once baked, mash the feta and burst the tomatoes with a fork. This forms a creamy sauce. - Toss the drained pasta with the feta-tomato mixture. If the sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water a bit at a time. - Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, mixing thoroughly. To make your baked feta pasta stand out, you can adjust spice levels with crushed red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more. If not, just a pinch will do. Fresh herbs enhance flavor too. I love to use basil or parsley. They add brightness to your dish. Cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. This texture keeps your dish from becoming mushy. Reserve some pasta water before draining. This water helps make the sauce creamy and rich. Adding it slowly allows you to control the thickness. For a beautiful presentation, serve in shallow bowls. Drizzle extra olive oil on top for shine. A sprig of fresh basil adds a pop of color. Pair this dish with a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. You can also serve a simple salad on the side for a balanced meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality feta will elevate the dish's flavor. Look for ripe tomatoes and a creamy, crumbly feta for the best results. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes. Alternatively, add more for an extra kick. Perfect Pasta Texture: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. This helps it hold its shape and prevents it from becoming mushy once combined with the sauce. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's aroma. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving adds richness. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type in this recipe. Try using gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter dish. Penne and fusilli are great, but you can also use spaghetti or farfalle. Each pasta adds a unique twist. For the cheese, feta is key, but feel free to swap it out. You can use goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Mixing in sun-dried tomatoes or olives can add depth. Experiment with these options to find your perfect combo. For those needing gluten-free meals, simply choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious options that taste great. Always check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. If you're vegan, replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. Cashew cheese or tofu can work well here. You can even use nutritional yeast to get a cheesy flavor without dairy. Incorporate seasonal veggies for a fresh touch. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In summer, toss in zucchini or bell peppers. Fall brings squash and kale, while winter can feature hearty greens like spinach. Adjust the herbs based on the season too. Fresh basil works in summer, while thyme adds warmth in colder months. These simple changes keep the dish exciting and flavorful all year round. To keep your Baked Feta Pasta fresh, let it cool first. This helps prevent excess moisture. Store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. This keeps the dish from drying out and helps maintain flavor. When reheating, the best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the creaminess. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze this dish but it works best when freezing components. Freeze the pasta and sauce separately. This helps maintain texture. For freezing, use freezer-safe bags or containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat the pasta and sauce together for the best results. Enjoy your baked feta pasta later without losing flavor! Baked Feta Pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing. This keeps the dish moist and tasty. If you want to reheat it, use a microwave or oven. Just add a splash of water to keep it creamy. Yes, you can use frozen vegetables! They work well with the baked feta. Just add them to the baking dish along with the cherry tomatoes. They will cook down nicely. Frozen vegetables save time and are often just as good as fresh ones. If you use them, make sure to adjust the baking time if needed. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. These cheeses have a similar texture and flavor. For a dairy-free option, use almond or cashew cheese. These alternatives can give you a great taste while meeting dietary needs. Just remember, the flavor may differ a bit. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! You can cook it in advance and store it in portions. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you are ready to eat. This helps maintain the best taste and texture. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little water if needed. Enjoy your easy, tasty meals all week long! In this blog post, we explored how to make a delicious baked feta pasta. We discussed key ingredients like pasta, feta, and tomatoes, along with important tips for perfect flavor and texture. I shared variations for dietary needs and how to store leftovers safely. Using fresh herbs and quality cheese can take your dish to the next level. Remember, cooking is a fun journey, so feel free to experiment. Enjoy your meal and the joy of sharing it with others!

Cheesy Delight Baked Feta Pasta

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish baked with feta cheese and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 200 g block of feta cheese
  • 500 g cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • In a large baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  • Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounding it with the seasoned cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the feta with the remaining olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and starting to brown.
  • While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
  • Once the baking is done, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and burst the tomatoes, mixing them together to form a creamy sauce.
  • Add the drained pasta to the baking dish, tossing it with the feta-tomato mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, mixing thoroughly.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Serve in bowls, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top, and add a basil sprig for a pop of color.
Keyword baked, cheesy, feta, pasta, tomatoes