If you are looking for a dish that combines simplicity, comfort, and irresistible flavor all in one bowl, the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. This creamy, tangy, and vibrant pasta comes alive with roasted tomatoes, creamy feta, garlic, and fresh herbs creating an unforgettable harmony. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests without lots of fuss. Once you try this baked feta pasta recipe, you’ll find yourself making it again and again because it’s that good and effortlessly delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color in the dish. Each ingredient plays a special role, from the bursting sweetness of grape tomatoes to the creamy tang of feta and the peppery freshness of herbs.

2 pints grape tomatoes: These juicy little tomatoes provide sweetness and the perfect roasting base.
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything roast beautifully.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance all flavors.
1 block (8 oz) feta cheese: Preferably sheep’s milk feta for that authentic creamy and tangy mouthfeel.
3 cloves garlic, peeled and halved: Roasted to mellow the sharpness and add depth.
10 oz dry pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli): Tubular or twisted pasta to catch all that luscious sauce.
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness.
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle warming kick.
¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced: Fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the dish.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced: Adds freshness and a mild peppery taste.
½ cup reserved pasta water: Helps create a silky, cohesive sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature sets the stage for roasting those tomatoes and garlic to juicy, caramelized perfection. Meanwhile, get a 3-quart baking dish ready because everything comes together in one place, easy for tossing later.

Step 2: Roast Tomatoes and Garlic

Combine the grape tomatoes and halved garlic cloves in the baking dish. Drizzle with that lovely extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and toss everything so it’s fully coated. This simple step ensures your roasted vegetables will be bursting with flavor and luscious sweetness after baking.

Step 3: Add the Feta

Place the entire block of feta right in the center of the tomatoes, flipping it so it’s coated in olive oil. This little mound of tangy, creamy cheese will melt down and combine perfectly with the roasted tomatoes, making your sauce irresistibly creamy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the dish in the oven and roast for 30 minutes. Then crank the heat to 450°F (230°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the feta is golden on top and the tomatoes are blistered and deliciously soft. This final high-heat blast adds caramelization and that slight char that makes the flavors pop.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Wilt Spinach

While everything is baking, boil your preferred pasta in salted water until al dente. Just before draining, toss in the chopped spinach to wilt it gently with the residual heat. Remember to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining—you’ll need it for bringing the sauce together.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

When the baking dish comes out of the oven, take a spoon and mash the softened feta, garlic, and blistered tomatoes right there to form a luxuriously creamy sauce. This step turns all those wonderful roasted ingredients into the star component of the dish.

Step 7: Toss and Finish

Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, fresh basil, and parsley into the baking dish. Toss everything thoroughly until the pasta is coated in that creamy, vibrant sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for perfect balance.

Step 8: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Serve your baked feta pasta immediately, fresh and warm to savor every bite of creamy flavor, roasted tomato sweetness, and fresh herb uplift. It’s a dish that shines on its own or with delightful accompaniments.

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Finish with extra fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a crisp, fresh aroma and a pop of green that makes your dish look as good as it tastes. A drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper can elevate it even more.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread to scoop up every last bit of that creamy sauce. A chilled glass of white wine also complements the tangy feta beautifully and makes a complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a more vibrant presentation, try serving it in shallow bowls where the sauce can spread out. You can also add extra toppings like toasted pine nuts or a few dollops of ricotta to enhance texture. Mixing in some roasted vegetables or olives can add extra depth and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen but the texture might thicken, so a quick stir with a splash of pasta water before reheating helps restore its creamy consistency.

Freezing

This baked feta pasta recipe freezes well. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Reheating

Reheat in a pan over low heat with a small amount of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and gently warm the pasta through. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for the baked feta pasta recipe?

Feta is key to the distinctive tangy creaminess, but you can experiment with similar brined cheeses like goat cheese for a softer texture. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly.

What pasta shape works best for baked feta pasta recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal because they catch the creamy sauce in their nooks and crannies, giving every bite maximum flavor.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs in the baked feta pasta recipe?

Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add brightness and fresh notes that dried herbs can’t replicate. However, in a pinch, dried herbs can work; just use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

Can I add vegetables to this baked feta pasta recipe?

Absolutely! Roasted or sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can be added for extra texture and flavor. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything finishes together.

How spicy is the baked feta pasta recipe with red pepper flakes?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth and slight kick, but you can adjust the amount or omit them altogether if you want to keep the dish mild and kid-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is a wonderful marriage of simplicity and indulgence. Every time I make it, I’m reminded how a few fresh ingredients and a bit of oven magic come together to create something truly special. Give it a try and I promise it will become a favorite in your kitchen too. Enjoy every creamy, tangy, roasted bite!