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- 12 oz penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 2 cups baby spinach For this dish, I use penne pasta because its shape holds sauce well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. The feta cheese gives a creamy, tangy flavor that melts nicely. Baby spinach adds a fresh touch and brightens the dish. - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Garlic is a must for flavor. Dried oregano and basil add depth. I like a bit of heat, so I include red pepper flakes. You can skip them if you prefer a milder taste. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste Olive oil enhances the dish and helps everything cook evenly. Fresh basil leaves make a nice touch on top. Don’t forget salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Next, boil a large pot of water. Add 12 oz penne pasta to the pot. Cook it until al dente. - Drain the pasta and set it aside. This step keeps your pasta from getting mushy. - Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup crumbled feta cheese, and 2 cups baby spinach. - Then, add 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil. - If you like spice, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. - Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Toss everything together until it is well mixed. - Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the baking dish. Gently mix it in with the other ingredients. - Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. - You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden. - After baking, take the dish out of the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes. - Toss all the ingredients again before serving. This step makes sure every bite is flavorful. - Finally, garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a nice touch and flavor. To make the best feta tomato baked pasta, cook your penne pasta al dente. This means it should be firm, not mushy. When you drain it, don’t rinse it. That helps keep the sauce stickier. Season your dish well. Use salt and pepper generously. It enhances all the flavors and makes every bite tasty. Using fresh herbs makes a big difference. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Dried herbs, like oregano and basil, work too but are less vibrant. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes. Start small and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. To plate your dish, use a large serving bowl. Toss everything gently to mix the colors. The red tomatoes and green spinach look great together. For sides, choose something light. A simple salad or garlic bread pairs well. It keeps the meal balanced and fresh. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality feta cheese. This will enhance the overall taste of your baked pasta. Customize Your Greens: Feel free to swap baby spinach with other greens like kale or arugula for a different flavor profile and added nutrients. Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra or use a spicy feta cheese. Let it Rest: Allow the baked pasta to sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together and makes it easier to serve. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. Just swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options that cook well. This way, everyone can enjoy the meal without worry. If you want to make it vegan, you can replace feta cheese with a plant-based cheese. Look for vegan feta made from nuts or tofu. It provides a similar taste and texture. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Feel free to add different veggies to your dish. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms work great. You can also include broccoli or artichokes for a unique twist. Just chop them finely and mix them in. For cheese options, try goat cheese or ricotta. Each adds a different flavor and creaminess. You can even mix several cheeses to create a delicious blend. During summer, use fresh, ripe tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes add vibrant color and taste. You can also toss in fresh corn or zucchini for a seasonal touch. In fall, think about adding roasted butternut squash or pumpkin. These ingredients provide warmth and sweetness. You can also use sage instead of basil for an earthy flavor. To keep your feta tomato baked pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let the dish cool before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make your pasta soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Just ensure you use a freezer-safe container. When reheating, I suggest using the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep moisture in and prevents drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. If you freeze it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can get creative with your leftovers. Try adding leftover pasta to a salad for a light meal. You can also use it in a wrap with some fresh greens. Pair it with garlic bread for a filling lunch. If you want something quick, mix it with eggs for a tasty frittata. Can I use other pasta shapes instead of penne? Yes, you can! Other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli work well. They hold sauce and flavors nicely. Try shapes you enjoy most for a fun twist. What if I don’t have fresh spinach? No problem! You can use frozen spinach instead. Just thaw and squeeze out excess water. You can also try kale or arugula for a different taste. How do I know when the pasta is cooked perfectly? Cook the penne pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Taste a piece to check if it's done. It should not be mushy. What to do if the dish appears too dry after baking? If the dish is too dry, add a splash of olive oil or some water. Stir it gently to blend. You can also sprinkle a bit of cheese on top for extra moisture. Can I substitute cheese for a dairy-free option? Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese. Look for a vegan feta or cream cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor too. What's the best type of tomatoes to use? Cherry tomatoes are great for this dish. They burst with flavor when baked. You can also use grape tomatoes or even canned tomatoes if needed. This blog post covered a delightful pasta dish with fresh ingredients and simple steps. We explored how to prepare and bake penne, using cherry tomatoes and feta cheese. I shared tips to perfect flavors and ways to present the dish beautifully. Remember, you can adjust ingredients for dietary needs and seasonal tastes. Enjoy your cooking and feel inspired to create variations. Your meals can be both tasty and fun, so let your creativity shine in the kitchen.

Feta Tomato Baked Pasta

A delicious baked pasta dish featuring feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a 9x13 inch baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, baby spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until evenly mixed.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta to the baking dish and mix gently to combine with the other ingredients.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered, and the feta is golden and slightly melty.
  • Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Toss everything again before serving.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Let the dish rest before serving for the best flavor.
Keyword baked, feta, pasta, spinach, tomato