Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines roasted feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and pasta. This easy one-pan recipe has become a viral sensation for its simplicity and deliciousness, making it a perfect weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 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 (for serving, optional)
Timing
Making Baked Feta Pasta takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for baking.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Bake the Feta and Tomatoes
- Combine Ingredients: In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and golden.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Stir Together: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes and garlic, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Baked Feta Pasta (per serving, based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Tips for Customization
- Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the baking dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Try using goat cheese or ricotta for a different taste.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
Conclusion
Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that brings together the creaminess of feta cheese and the sweetness of roasted tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe!
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- • 8 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli work well)
- • 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- • 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 (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and lightly golden.
- Remove the dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta into the roasted tomatoes and garlic to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss to combine.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Step 2: Bake the Feta and Tomatoes
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Step 4: Serve
