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.

Baked Feta Pasta - Superb Recipe

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.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 451
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 14g
Cholesterol: 50mg