Baked Feta Pasta

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It all started with a viral trend Baked Feta Pasta took over social media, and I had to see what the hype was about. What I found was a dish that is not only incredibly easy to make but also bursting with bold flavors. The creamy feta melts into a luscious sauce, complemented by juicy roasted tomatoes and fragrant herbs.

If you’re new to cooking, this recipe is a perfect starting point. It requires minimal effort, uses simple ingredients, and delivers restaurant-quality results. With a few basic steps, you can create a rich, flavorful pasta dish that will impress anyone at the table.

Why This Recipe is Special

Beginner-friendly: No complicated techniques—just bake, stir, and serve.
Minimal ingredients: Requires just a handful of common pantry staples.

Versatile: Swap ingredients to customize flavors to your liking.
One-dish magic: Everything bakes in the same dish, reducing cleanup.
Rich and satisfying: The feta creates a creamy sauce with no heavy cream needed.

Ingredients and Preparation

Each ingredient plays an essential role in bringing the dish together. Here’s why they matter:

Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: These burst as they bake, creating a naturally sweet and tangy sauce. You can use a mix of colors for added vibrancy.
Feta Cheese: The star of the dish—its salty, tangy flavor balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. If feta isn’t your favorite, try goat cheese or ricotta.

Olive Oil: Enhances the richness of the dish while helping the tomatoes caramelize.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme adds depth. You can use Herbes de Provence or mix in some chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Fresh Basil: Brings a fresh, aromatic finish. Pesto can work as a substitute, but use less olive oil if adding it.

Pasta (Bow Tie, Penne, or Rotini): The pasta should have grooves or ridges to hold the creamy sauce. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work, too.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that help enhance every other flavor.

Optional Add-ins for More Flavor

Sautéed garlic: Adds a warm, savory depth.

Roasted red peppers: Introduces a smoky sweetness.
Black or Kalamata olives: Give the dish a Mediterranean twist.
Fresh spinach or arugula: Toss in at the end for added nutrition.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Gather all ingredients and use an oven-safe baking dish.

Step 2: Arrange Ingredients in the Baking Dish

Place the tomatoes in the dish and position the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with Italian seasoning, and season with salt.

Step 3: Bake Until Soft and Bubbly

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The tomatoes should be soft and slightly blistered, while the feta turns golden and creamy.

Step 4: Stir to Create the Sauce

Remove from the oven and immediately stir everything together. The tomatoes will release their juices, creating a rich sauce when mixed with the melted feta.

Step 5: Toss with Cooked Pasta

Stir in freshly cooked pasta and chopped basil. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Mix well and serve warm.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Troubleshooting Guide

The sauce is too thick: Add a bit of reserved pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to loosen it.

Tomatoes aren’t bursting: Use a fork to gently press them after baking.
Feta is too salty: Balance it with a little extra pasta or fresh greens.

Kitchen Efficiency Tips

Cook pasta while the feta bakes: This saves time so you can have everything ready at once.

Use pre-cut ingredients: If chopping basil or roasting additional veggies, prep them ahead for convenience.
Choose the right pasta: Short pasta varieties work best as they hold onto the creamy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

Side Salad: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich pasta.

Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to scoop up extra sauce.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp: For added protein, top the pasta with grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheating: Add a splash of water and microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of feta can change when thawed.

Conclusion – Try It and Share Your Thoughts

This easy baked feta pasta recipe is proof that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, experiment with different ingredients, and let us know how it turned out in the comments. Happy cooking!

FAQ About Baked Feta Pasta

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta, or even cream cheese for a milder flavor. However, feta’s saltiness and crumbly texture contribute to the unique taste of the dish.

What type of pasta works best with this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like bow tie, penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because they hold the creamy sauce well. However, you can use any pasta you have on hand, including whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.

How can I make this dish less salty?

Feta cheese can be quite salty, so you can reduce the salt in the recipe or choose a milder variety of feta. Rinsing the feta block under cold water before baking can also help lower its saltiness.

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Author: Natalie

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that comes together effortlessly in one pan. Roasted tomatoes burst with sweetness, while baked feta melts into a luscious sauce, creating the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and herbaceous flavors. A quick and easy meal for busy nights or a simple yet impressive dish for entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ½ cups grape or cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
1 (8 oz) block feta cheese

5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked and drained

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium baking dish, arrange the tomatoes evenly and place the feta cheese block in the center.

Season and add olive oil: Drizzle three tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and salt to enhance the flavors. Pour the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil directly over the feta to help it soften beautifully while baking.
Bake until soft and bubbly: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. The tomatoes should burst, and the feta should turn golden and creamy. If the tomatoes haven’t burst on their own, gently press them with a fork to release their juices.
Mix to create the sauce: Remove the dish from the oven and stir everything together. The creamy feta and roasted tomatoes will blend into a smooth, flavorful sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.

Toss with cooked pasta and basil: Add the warm, drained pasta to the dish, mixing until it’s fully coated in the creamy tomato-feta sauce. Sprinkle with freshly chopped basil for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes before baking.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, reserve some pasta water and mix it in while combining the ingredients.

Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be used as a healthier alternative.
To enhance the dish, consider adding roasted bell peppers, spinach, or black olives for extra flavor.