Description
Baked feta pasta has become a viral sensation that brings Mediterranean sunshine right to your dinner table. Creamy cheese melts into juicy tomatoes, creating a simple yet delicious sauce perfect for twirling with pasta.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 8 ounces block feta cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Oils and Spices:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grab a medium baking dish and spread 2 cups cherry tomatoes inside.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons olive oil over tomatoes. Sprinkle 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper across the dish.
- Place your 8-ounce feta block directly in the center of the tomatoes. Add a light extra drizzle of olive oil on top of the cheese.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven. Roast for exactly 30-35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta turns slightly golden.
- While cheese roasts, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook 8 ounces of pasta until perfectly al dente, following package instructions.
- Scoop out ½ cup pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid helps create a smooth sauce later.
- Remove baking dish from oven. Mash roasted feta and tomatoes together using a fork, creating a creamy sauce directly in the dish.
- Pour drained pasta into the baking dish. Add reserved pasta water and stir until pasta is thoroughly coated.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup chopped fresh basil into the pasta. Mix gently to distribute herbs throughout the dish.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Finish with an extra basil garnish and optional olive oil drizzle before serving.
Notes
- Check the feta’s saltiness beforehand, as some brands are much saltier than others, which can affect the overall dish seasoning.
- Swap regular pasta for gluten-free alternatives to make this recipe celiac-friendly and just as delicious.
- When choosing tomatoes, cherry or grape varieties work best because they burst beautifully and create a natural sauce during roasting.
- Use fresh basil right before serving to maintain its bright flavor and prevent wilting from excessive heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg