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- 250g pasta (penne or fusilli works best) - 200g block of feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Salt to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For this baked feta pasta, you need just a few key ingredients. The pasta options I love are penne or fusilli. Both shapes hold the creamy sauce well. The star of this dish is a block of feta cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor. You also need two cups of cherry tomatoes. Halving them helps them cook faster and burst with flavor. You will use extra virgin olive oil to coat the tomatoes. This oil brings out the best taste in the dish. Garlic adds a nice aroma and flavor, while oregano and basil round out the herbs. Salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. Finally, fresh basil leaves are perfect as a garnish, giving a fresh touch. - Red pepper flakes for added heat - Garnishes: Fresh basil leaves If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. They give a nice kick that balances the creaminess of the feta. Fresh basil leaves are not just for looks; they add a burst of flavor. You can make this dish your own by adjusting these optional ingredients. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step makes sure your dish cooks evenly. 2. Grab a large baking dish. In it, mix the halved cherry tomatoes with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Use your hands or a spoon to coat each tomato. This helps them roast nicely. 1. Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of the baking dish. 2. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on the feta. Then, sprinkle 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of dried basil on top. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. 3. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Look for the feta to turn golden and the tomatoes to blister. This shows they are ready. 1. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook 250g of pasta according to the package. Aim for al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 2. Once baking is done, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes. This forms a creamy sauce. 3. Add your cooked pasta to the baked mixture. Toss everything together well. Your pasta should be well-coated in that delicious sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed. For some heat, add red pepper flakes if you like. Now, you’re ready to serve this delightful dish! - Choosing the right pasta for the perfect texture I recommend using penne or fusilli for this dish. These shapes hold sauce well. They create a lovely bite with each forkful. Other shapes like rigatoni can also work, but stick to those for the best results. - Achieving the best feta consistency after baking Bake your feta until it turns golden and soft, about 30 minutes. This makes it easy to mash into the sauce. If it looks dry, it may need a few more minutes. Watch it closely to keep it creamy. - Suggestions for additional herbs or spices Try adding thyme or rosemary for an extra flavor boost. Fresh herbs like parsley work too. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick if you like heat. - Alternative cheeses to use If feta isn't your favorite, try goat cheese or ricotta. They melt nicely and provide a different taste. You can even mix cheeses for a unique flavor. - Overbaking the feta Don’t let your feta bake too long. If it becomes too brown, it can taste bitter. You want it soft and creamy, perfect for mixing. - Undercooking the pasta Always cook your pasta al dente. If it is too soft, it will turn mushy when mixed with the sauce. Follow the package instructions closely for the best texture. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Feta: For the best flavor, choose a high-quality feta cheese. Greek feta made from sheep's milk offers a creamier texture and richer taste compared to others. Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to use any pasta shape you like! While penne and fusilli are great choices, farfalle or spaghetti will work just as well. Add Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. They can be tossed in the baking dish for added flavor. Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. {{image_2}} You can switch out cherry tomatoes for other tasty options. Try grape tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor. If you prefer something milder, consider using roasted red peppers. For those who need dairy-free or vegan options, feta cheese can be replaced with a plant-based feta. Look for brands that mimic the texture and flavor of real feta. You can also use tofu, seasoned well, to create a creamy base. While penne and fusilli are great, feel free to explore other shapes. Bowtie, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can work nicely. Each shape brings its unique texture to the dish. If you need a gluten-free version, many pasta brands offer rice, quinoa, or chickpea-based options. These alternatives taste great and hold up well in this baked dish. Adding vegetables can really enhance this recipe. Spinach or kale adds a lovely green touch and boosts nutrition. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch, making the dish more colorful and vibrant. For a protein boost, consider adding chicken or shrimp. Cook them separately and mix them in with the pasta after baking. This not only adds flavor but also makes the meal more filling. To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, follow these steps. First, let it cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the dish. Use a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to two months. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. To keep the texture nice, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until warm. However, the oven gives a better taste. How long can you keep leftovers in the fridge? If stored well, they can last about three days. After that, the flavor and safety might decline. Watch for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks unusual, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your nose and eyes when checking food. For Baked Feta Pasta, I suggest using penne or fusilli. Both types hold sauce well. Penne has ridges that catch the sauce nicely. Fusilli's spiral shape helps mix with the creamy feta. Other options include rotini or any short pasta you like. Avoid long pasta, as it won't mix as well with the sauce. Yes, you can prep Baked Feta Pasta ahead. Start by roasting the feta and tomatoes. Allow it to cool, then store it in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, cook the pasta and mix it with the cold feta-tomato mix. This method keeps flavors fresh and saves time. Absolutely! Baked Feta Pasta is great for meal prep. Cook a larger batch and divide it into portions. Store in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays tasty for about three days. To reheat, use the microwave or oven. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist and delicious. You've learned how to make a tasty Baked Feta Pasta with simple steps. Start with cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce. Remember to avoid common mistakes like overbaking the feta. You can even try different variations and store leftovers correctly. This dish is easy to make and fun to tweak. Enjoy your cooking, and let your flavors shine!

Baked Feta Pasta Delight

A delicious pasta dish featuring baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 250 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 200 g block of feta cheese
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • optional red pepper flakes

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and olive oil. Mix well to coat the tomatoes with the oil.
  • Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish amongst the tomatoes. Drizzle the feta with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
  • Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the feta is golden and softened and the tomatoes are blistered.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Once the baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta cheese and mix it with the cherry tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning as needed, adding red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and a burst of color.

Notes

Add red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.
Keyword baked, cherry tomatoes, feta, pasta