If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that feels luxurious but couldn’t be simpler, look no further than Baked Feta Pasta. This Mediterranean-inspired marvel became a sensation for good reason—the block of feta becomes meltingly creamy, the cherry tomatoes burst with tangy sweetness, and the whole thing gets wrapped around your favorite pasta for a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. With just a handful of ingredients and some hands-off oven time, this Baked Feta Pasta comes together into the kind of meal you’ll want to make on repeat, whether for a cozy weeknight or a dinner with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe has a starring role, combining to create the signature creamy, tangy, and aromatic flavors that make Baked Feta Pasta irresistible. Even though the list is short, each item is thoughtfully chosen to deliver big results—don’t skip any!
- Cherry tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the sweetest burst of flavor and gorgeous color when roasted.
- Block of feta cheese (8 oz): Go for a whole block, not crumbled feta, to ensure it gets perfectly golden and creamy in the oven.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons plus extra): Good olive oil is a must—it helps caramelize the tomatoes and makes everything silky and luxurious.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic adds that signature aromatic kick and depth to the sauce.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle heat that balances the richness of the feta and olive oil—add more or less to taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to pull out the flavors of the tomatoes and cheese, especially if your feta isn’t super salty.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A pinch of pepper rounds out the sauce with gentle spice.
- Pasta (10 oz, such as penne or rotini): Short shapes are best for catching all the creamy sauce—make sure to cook until perfectly al dente!
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Essentials for a burst of herbal freshness and a beautiful pop of green.
- Extra olive oil (for finishing): Drizzle on just before serving to add shine and a silkier finish to the pasta.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C), giving it time to get nice and hot while you gather ingredients. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, toss together the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if you love a little heat), salt, and black pepper. Make sure the tomatoes are well-coated and fragrant so every bite soaks up the flavor.
Step 2: Add the Feta
Take your block of feta cheese and nestle it right in the center of the baking dish so the tomatoes surround it snugly. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the cheese—this helps it brown beautifully and softens it to a delightfully creamy texture in the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The magic happens here: the tomatoes will burst open and caramelize, while the feta turns golden on top and luxuriously soft in the center.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your feta and tomatoes mingle in the oven, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta shape—short, sturdy noodles work best for Baked Feta Pasta—and cook until just al dente. Before you drain the pasta, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy cooking water; this will help bring the sauce together later.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
When the feta is golden and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy, grab a fork and gently mash everything together right in the baking dish. You’re aiming for a creamy, rich sauce studded with pieces of sweet tomato and tangy feta—don’t worry about making it totally smooth.
Step 6: Toss and Finish
Add your cooked pasta straight into the baking dish and toss until every noodle is generously coated in the creamy feta-tomato sauce. If it looks a bit thick, stir in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, scatter in the freshly chopped basil and give everything a final toss. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of olive oil to make it shine.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
Garnishes
If you want to elevate your Baked Feta Pasta, top each bowl with more fresh basil, a crack of black pepper, or a handful of baby arugula for extra flavor and color. For an extra finishing touch, add a light dusting of grated Parmesan or a few toasted pine nuts for delicious crunch.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette, crusty bread for mopping up every bit of sauce, or a platter of marinated olives and roasted vegetables. These sides keep the meal light and fresh but truly satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Baked Feta Pasta family-style in the dish you baked it in for rustic charm, or plate it in pasta bowls with artfully arranged basil leaves and a drizzle of extra olive oil. For a fun twist at gatherings, you could even spoon the creamy pasta into individual ramekins, topping each with a cherry tomato and basil leaf.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Baked Feta Pasta stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container, and make sure to keep any garnishes separate to keep them fresh and vibrant when you serve the leftovers.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, the creamy texture of feta may change slightly. If you do freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container and consume within one month for best flavor. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, and warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but take care to stir often and don’t overcook, as feta can become crumbly if heated too long.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
For the creamiest results and caramelized edges, a block of feta is highly recommended. Crumbled feta won’t melt and brown in quite the same indulgent way, but in a pinch, it will still taste delicious.
What other vegetables can I add?
Try stirring in baby spinach, arugula, or even roasted bell peppers at the end for extra color and nutrition. If you love heartier veggies, wilted kale or zucchini work great, too!
Is Baked Feta Pasta good for meal prepping?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to two days ahead, then cook fresh pasta and combine just before serving. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce thickens as it sits, so save some pasta water to loosen things up.
Can I make this dairy-free?
There are a few plant-based feta alternatives at most grocery stores now. They won’t have the exact same tang, but with good olive oil and ripe tomatoes, you’ll still have a delicious dairy-free dish.
How can I add protein to this meal?
To make your Baked Feta Pasta more filling, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or drained chickpeas just before serving. They soak up the creamy sauce and make the meal even heartier!
Final Thoughts
Baked Feta Pasta is one of those rare dishes that feels both comforting and impressive, and it couldn’t be easier to make. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want something utterly delicious with minimal cleanup, give this recipe a try—you’re bound to fall in love with its rich flavors and creamy sauce!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a viral sensation for good reason – it’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Roasted cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese are baked until bursting with flavor, then mixed with pasta for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Cherry Tomato Mixture:
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Remaining Ingredients:
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 10 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Extra olive oil for finishing
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Tomato Feta Mixture: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the feta block in the center, drizzle with more olive oil, and bake for 30–35 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine Ingredients: Mash the baked feta and tomatoes, mix in the cooked pasta, using reserved water to adjust consistency. Stir in fresh basil.
- Serve: Serve warm with an extra drizzle of olive oil.
Notes
- For extra protein, add cooked chicken or chickpeas.
- Consider adding spinach or arugula for added color and nutrients.
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