Baked feta pasta. If that phrase doesn’t make your mouth water like a dog watching a steak sizzle on the grill, I don’t know what will. Imagine a warm bowl of al dente pasta enveloped in a creamy, dreamy sauce made from melted feta cheese and roasted tomatoes. The aroma wafts through your kitchen like a siren song, luring loved ones into the dining area faster than you can say “pass the bread.”
This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience – one that turns mundane mealtime into a mini celebration. You can enjoy it on cozy nights in with Netflix or impress guests at gatherings with its stunning presentation and incredible flavor profile. Trust me; this is one dish you’ll be dreaming about long after dinner.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked feta pasta is not only incredibly easy to prepare; it also delivers rich flavors in every bite
- The vibrant colors are sure to brighten up your dinner table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize based on what ingredients you have on hand
- Serve it as a main course or side dish and watch it disappear!
I once served this baked feta pasta at a family gathering and was met with gasps of delight as I unveiled the bubbling cheese masterpiece. My cousin even tried to take credit for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Pasta: Any short pasta works well here; I usually go for penne or rotini for their perfect sauce-holding capabilities.
- Feta Cheese: Use block-style feta for the best melting results; crumbled will not give you that creamy texture!
- Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy; choose vibrant red ones for the best flavor.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness; don’t skimp here.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for that aromatic punch; minced finely for maximum flavor infusion.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a burst of freshness; feel free to substitute with dried if fresh isn’t available.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all the flavors in this dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an oven-safe baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Prepare the Vegetables: In your prepared baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes and garlic. Drizzle generously with olive oil, toss well until coated evenly. You want those tomatoes glistening!
Add Feta: Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of your tomato mixture like royalty surrounded by its loyal subjects. Sprinkle salt and pepper over everything liberally for added flavor.
Bake Away: Slide your creation into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes burst open and release their sweet juice into the mix.
Cook Your Pasta: While your cheesy goodness bakes away, boil salted water in a large pot and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Combine Everything: Once everything is perfectly cooked, drain your pasta and add it directly into the baking dish with your melted feta mixture. Toss everything together until each noodle is beautifully coated.
Add Fresh Herbs: Finish by folding in chopped basil gently for an aromatic touch that adds freshness. Serve immediately while hot!
Enjoy this baked feta pasta as you savor each creamy bite – it’s like being wrapped in a warm cheesy hug!
You Must Know
- Baked feta pasta is not just a trend; it’s a flavor explosion that transforms simple ingredients into a comforting dish
- You can easily add more veggies or proteins to make it your own
- The aroma will have everyone in your house wondering what magic you’re cooking up!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, toss your cherry tomatoes and garlic with olive oil and seasonings in a baking dish. Nestle the feta cheese in the center, then bake for about 30 minutes until everything is bubbly and golden.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with this recipe! Swap cherry tomatoes for bell peppers or zucchini, or try different herbs like basil or oregano. Adding spinach or cooked chicken can elevate this dish even further, making it hearty and satisfying.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil and microwave gently to keep the pasta creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use high-quality feta for the best flavor; it makes all the difference
- Don’t skimp on olive oil as it enhances richness
- Lastly, let the pasta absorb some sauce before serving for maximum tastiness
Cooking this dish always reminds me of that time my friends came over unexpectedly. I whipped up some baked feta pasta, and their delighted faces were priceless! It turned a regular evening into a memorable gathering filled with laughter and good food.
FAQ
Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Yes, goat cheese or ricotta can work well as alternatives in baked feta pasta.
What should I serve with baked feta pasta?
Pair it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience.
How do I make baked feta pasta ahead of time?
Prep the ingredients earlier but bake them just before serving for optimal freshness.
Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Baked feta pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines melted feta cheese and roasted tomatoes with al dente pasta, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Short pasta (penne or rotini)
- Block-style feta cheese
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Fresh garlic
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease an oven-safe baking dish with olive oil.
- In the baking dish, mix cherry tomatoes and minced garlic; drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta turns golden.
- While baking, cook pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain pasta, then combine it with the baked feta mixture, tossing until evenly coated.
- Fold in chopped basil before serving hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Substitute cherry tomatoes with bell peppers or zucchini for variety. Add spinach or cooked chicken to make the dish heartier.
