Feta Fiesta Pasta Bake

$- 300g pasta (penne or rigatoni) - 200g feta cheese, cubed - 400g cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 100g shredded mozzarella cheese Gather these ingredients before you start. This makes cooking smooth and fun. You can change some items based on what you like. If you want, use different pasta shapes or cheeses. The key is using fresh ingredients for the best taste. - Baking dish - Large mixing bowl - Pot for boiling pasta - Measuring cups and spoons You need a few tools to make this dish. A baking dish helps cook everything together. A mixing bowl lets you combine the ingredients well. The pot is for boiling your pasta. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you get the amounts right. This helps keep the flavors balanced and tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). - Cook pasta until al dente and drain. First, I set my oven to 200°C (400°F). This step warms it up for baking. Next, I boil the pasta in salted water. I cook it just enough so it's firm. Once ready, I drain the pasta and set it aside. - Combine cherry tomatoes, red onion, garlic, olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. - Mix to ensure tomatoes are coated. In a large bowl, I add halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and minced garlic. Then, I drizzle in olive oil and sprinkle oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. I mix it all together. This ensures every tomato gets coated in flavor. - Layer half of the pasta mixture in a baking dish with feta cheese. - Top with remaining pasta mixture, feta, and mozzarella. I take a baking dish and add half of the pasta mix. Then, I scatter half of the cubed feta cheese on top. Next, I add the rest of the pasta mixture and place the remaining feta cheese on top. Finally, I sprinkle shredded mozzarella over everything. - Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly. - Garnish with torn basil after baking. I place the dish in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes. I watch for it to turn golden and bubbly. Once it’s done, I pull it out and sprinkle fresh torn basil over the top. This adds a nice pop of color and flavor. - Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. - Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness. To make your bake shine, start with the right feta. A creamy, tangy feta adds a rich taste that blends perfectly with the tomatoes. You’ll notice the difference! Cooking pasta al dente means it has a slight firmness. This helps it hold up during baking. If you overcook it, your dish may turn mushy. So, keep an eye on your timer! - Serve hot in individual bowls. - Drizzle with extra olive oil for enhanced flavor. Serving this dish hot from the oven makes it inviting. Use individual bowls for a nice touch. Guests will love it! A drizzle of extra olive oil adds richness and flavor, making each bite even better. - Complement with a side salad or crusty bread. - Suggest wine pairings that go well with feta and tomatoes. Pair your pasta bake with a fresh side salad. It brings a nice crunch that contrasts the creamy bake. Crusty bread is another great choice for scooping up every last bit. For drinks, consider a crisp white wine. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio goes well with feta and tomatoes. They balance the flavors and make your meal special. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and basil. They will enhance the overall taste of your pasta bake. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like goat cheese or cheddar with feta for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Make it Ahead: You can prepare the pasta bake in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pasta mixture before baking. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta you use in this bake. Try farfalle or fusilli for fun shapes. They hold the sauce well. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free penne or brown rice pasta. These options cook well and taste great. Want to add more flavor or nutrition? Toss in some spinach or kale. You can also add cooked chicken or sausage for protein. If you want to change the cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. They give a creamy touch. To make a vegan version, replace feta with a plant-based cheese. Use cashew cream or tofu for creaminess. Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or legume-based pasta. For added flavor, use nutritional yeast in place of cheese. To store your feta tomato pasta bake, let it cool first. Place the cooled dish in a container. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. You can also use plastic wrap to cover the dish tightly. This helps prevent drying out. The best way to reheat this dish is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta bake in a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave if you are short on time. Just be careful not to overheat it. This can make the pasta tough. To freeze the pasta bake, make sure it is completely cool. Cut it into portions for easier thawing. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. It can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you can't find feta, try these options: - Goat cheese: It has a similar tangy flavor. - Ricotta: A softer choice that adds creaminess. - Cotija: This cheese offers a crumbly texture. - Cream cheese: It melts well and adds richness. - Vegan feta: Look for plant-based options if you prefer dairy-free. These alternatives can change the taste a bit, but they will still work well in this pasta bake. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Follow these steps: 1. Cook the pasta and mix the ingredients as usual. 2. Layer the pasta and cheese in the baking dish. 3. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. 4. When ready to bake, remove the cover and bake as directed. This makes meal prep easy and saves time on busy days. Watch for these signs: - The cheese should be golden brown on top. - You’ll see bubbles around the edges of the dish. - A toothpick or fork should easily pierce through the pasta. These clues tell you the bake is ready to enjoy! Yes, you can easily change the spice level. Here are some tips: - If you like it mild, skip the red pepper flakes. - For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. - You can also sprinkle in cayenne pepper or hot sauce. - Fresh jalapeños or crushed red pepper can add a kick too. Adjust to your taste for a perfect meal! This blog post shows you how to make a tasty pasta bake with feta and tomatoes. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to make it great. I wrapped up with ways to store and reheat your leftovers. This dish is easy, fun, and can fit your needs! Whether you want it vegan or with different pasta, the options are endless. Enjoy your cooking and share this recipe with friends!$

A delicious baked pasta dish featuring feta cheese and cherry tomatoes.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

300 g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
200 g feta cheese, cubed
400 g cherry tomatoes, halved
1 unit red onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
to taste unit salt and pepper
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
100 g shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss until the tomatoes are well coated.
Add the cooked pasta to the tomato mixture and stir to combine.
In a baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly at the bottom. Scatter half of the feta cheese over the top.
Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining feta cheese. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the entire dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh torn basil over the top for a burst of freshness.

Notes

Serve hot from the oven in individual bowls, garnished with additional fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch.

Keyword bake, cherry tomatoes, feta, pasta