Description
Mediterranean Baked Feta Pasta brings classic Greek flavors straight to your kitchen with minimal effort. Fresh tomatoes and creamy feta cheese blend together in a simple yet delightful dish that sparks dinner excitement with just a few ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225g) block of feta cheese
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any shape you prefer)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Supporting Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Crank your oven to a sizzling 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack sits in the center position for even heating.
- Grab an 8-ounce (225g) feta block and nestle it right in the middle of a large baking dish. Surround the cheese with 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes, creating a vibrant landscape.
- Drizzle ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese. Sprinkle 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes across the dish. Season with a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for exactly 25-30 minutes. Watch as tomatoes blister and the feta transforms into a golden, soft masterpiece.
- While the dish bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop 8 ounces (225g) of pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Scoop out ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- After removing the baking dish, mash the softened feta and burst tomatoes together using a fork or spoon. The mixture will create a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Tumble the hot pasta into the baking dish, stirring to coat every noodle with the rich sauce. If needed, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the consistency.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top. Optional: Dust with grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost. Serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Choosing ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes makes a huge difference in developing rich flavor for this dish.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to customize the sauce’s aromatic profile.
- Fresh feta works best – look for block styles rather than pre-crumbled versions that can dry out quickly.
- Letting the baked feta and tomatoes rest for a few minutes after roasting helps intensify the sauce’s creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg