If you’re on the hunt for a pasta dish that bursts with flavor but is surprisingly simple to prepare, this Feta Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy cherry tomatoes roasting alongside creamy, tangy feta cheese until they meld into a luscious sauce, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting yet vibrant meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. This dish is effortless yet feels special enough for any night of the week, guaranteed to brighten your dinner routine and please every palate at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a few straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. From the tangy feta to the sweet burst of cherry tomatoes, every element is essential to creating that perfect harmony of creamy and fresh.
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta: Choose shapes that hold onto the sauce beautifully, making every bite full of flavor.
- 8 oz block feta cheese: A firm block works best to create a creamy, melty base when roasted.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (1 pint): Their natural sweetness intensifies with roasting and balances the tang of the feta.
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything roast to perfection.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic introduces a warm, savory depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: A gentle kick to awaken the palate without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
How to Make Feta Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prep your baking dish
Begin by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray your baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the ingredients roast without sticking, making cleanup easier and preserving those roasted edges you love.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in the baking dish
Into the baking dish, add whole cherry tomatoes, crumble the block of feta cheese over them, then sprinkle the minced garlic, drizzle the olive oil, and add the red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mixing these together evenly helps ensure every bite is flavorful and the feta melts beautifully into a creamy sauce.
Step 3: Roast until bubbly and bursting
Place the dish in the oven and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have burst open and the feta has softened and started to brown slightly. This slow roasting concentrates the tomato’s sweetness while softening the cheese to a luscious texture.
Step 4: Cook the pasta perfectly
While your feta and tomatoes roast, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Cooking it just so means the pasta will absorb just enough sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 5: Combine pasta and roasted mixture
Once out of the oven, gently toss the roasted cherry tomato and feta mixture with the drained pasta right in the baking dish. The warmth of the pasta helps the sauce cling to each piece, creating a creamy, flavorful coating throughout.
Step 6: Serve immediately and enjoy
Serve your Feta Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe piping hot for the best texture and flavor. If you like, add fresh basil or a sprinkle of pepper for an extra touch of freshness.
How to Serve Feta Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil leaves or a few more red pepper flakes not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the fresh and spicy elements already at play. If you want a touch of green, finely chopped parsley or oregano works beautifully as well.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, perhaps with arugula and lemon vinaigrette to add brightness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for mopping up any leftover cheesy tomato goodness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this pasta in individual bowls topped with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch. For a dinner party, plating with a wedge of lemon on the side invites guests to add a fresh citrus zing if they wish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors develop even more after sitting, but the texture of the pasta might soften slightly, so it’s best eaten within this time frame.
Freezing
This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the texture of cooked pasta and roasted tomatoes changes upon thawing, becoming mushy. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Microwave reheating works too but keep an eye to avoid overheating, which can make the pasta tough.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or fusilli are ideal for holding the sauce, feel free to swap in any pasta you prefer such as rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
If you’re avoiding dairy, you might try swapping the feta for a plant-based cheese that melts well or add in some roasted tofu cubes seasoned for extra protein, but the signature creaminess of feta is hard to replicate exactly.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The half teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds a mild kick that enhances the flavor without overwhelming the dish. You can always adjust the amount up or down based on your heat preference.
Can I prepare the tomato and feta mixture ahead of time?
You can assemble the tomato and feta mixture a few hours before roasting, keeping it covered in the fridge; just roast it fresh so the flavors and textures stay vibrant and delicious.
What if I can’t find cherry tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes or small plum tomatoes work well as substitutes. The key is choosing small, sweet tomatoes that will roast quickly and burst with flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Feta Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is such a joy to make and eat — it delivers big on flavor while staying humble with its simple ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and I can’t wait for you to give it a try. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become one of your favorite go-tos for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for friends.
Print
Feta Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This simple yet flavorful Feta Pasta recipe combines creamy roasted feta cheese with burst cherry tomatoes and perfectly cooked penne pasta. Enhanced with garlic, olive oil, and a hint of red pepper flakes, it’s a comforting and easy one-dish meal ready in 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
For the Sauce
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (1 pint)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, mix together cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
- Roast Mixture: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta cheese is soft and slightly golden.
- Cook Pasta: While the tomato and feta mixture roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne or fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: When the roasting is complete, carefully mix the roasted tomato and feta mixture with the cooked pasta directly in the baking dish, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately while warm. Optionally, garnish with fresh basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Fresh basil or parsley can be added as a garnish to enhance freshness.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven to avoid drying out.
