Overview

Baked Feta Pasta is a delicious and creamy dish that features baked feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta. This trendy recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Timing

Making the Baked Feta Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
2. Add Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta and season with additional salt and pepper.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and soft.
2. Stir: Once baked, remove from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

1. Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy feta and tomato mixture.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your delicious baked feta pasta!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Baked Feta Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400
Protein	12g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	4g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition.
• Protein Options: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for added protein.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that combines the creaminess of feta cheese with the sweetness of roasted tomatoes. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy this delightful recipe!