There’s a reason why Baked Feta Pasta has utterly captivated home cooks everywhere: it’s a creamy, tangy, and almost impossibly easy dish that feels downright luxurious. Imagine sweet, burst cherry tomatoes, garlicky olive oil, and a block of warm feta melting into a luscious sauce, then twirled together with perfectly al dente pasta. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like hours of careful cooking but comes together in a snap, with Mediterranean flavors that invite you back for seconds (and thirds). If you haven’t already made Baked Feta Pasta, this is your sign to dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients transform into something truly spectacular. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the bold flavors, creamy textures, and vibrant colors that make Baked Feta Pasta so irresistible.
- Feta cheese block (8 ounces): The star of the show, this tangy, crumbly cheese melts into a creamy sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups): They burst and caramelize in the oven, adding juicy sweetness.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps everything roast beautifully and infuses the dish with richness.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds a warm, savory note that absolutely makes the sauce sing.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick and a hint of heat—totally adjustable to your taste.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out the flavors of each ingredient without overpowering them.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds earthy, peppery complexity to round out the sauce.
- Pasta (8 ounces; penne or rotini recommended): Pasta shapes with texture catch the luscious sauce best.
- Fresh basil, chopped (1/4 cup): Just the thing for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional): Adds a silky gloss and enhances flavor right before serving.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Step 1: Prep and Arrange the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a medium baking dish; scatter the cherry tomatoes across the bottom, then add minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together so the tomatoes are glistening and perfectly seasoned. Nestle the block of feta cheese right in the center of the dish, rolling it over once so it gets an even coat of that flavorful oil and seasoning.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the hot oven and roast for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for the tomatoes to burst, release their juices, and caramelize a little, while the feta turns a light golden hue and softens marvelously. Take a moment to bask in the incredible aroma filling your kitchen—this is when Baked Feta Pasta magic truly happens!
Step 3: Boil the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes transform in the oven, cook your pasta in salted water according to the package directions until it’s just al dente. Before you drain, reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside—don’t skip the reserved water, as it’s the secret for a silky, restaurant-worthy sauce.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
When the oven timer dings, remove the baking dish. With a fork, mash the softened feta and tomatoes together right in the dish. You’ll see the sauce turn creamy and flecked with roasted tomato skins and garlic. Add your cooked pasta straight in, toss to coat, and splash in reserved pasta water as needed to create the perfect creaminess. Stir in the fresh chopped basil, so every bite tastes gorgeously fresh.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before you bring it to the table, drizzle with a little extra olive oil for shine and rich flavor. Give your Baked Feta Pasta a final scatter of basil or extra chili flakes, if desired, and serve it warm so every mouthful is perfectly savory, creamy, and satisfying.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
Garnishes
A generous handful of torn fresh basil leaves makes everything taste summery and bright, but don’t be shy about showering your Baked Feta Pasta with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, extra red pepper flakes for pizzazz, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. A drizzle of good olive oil just before serving brings out both flavor and color, making the whole dish look extra inviting.
Side Dishes
Baked Feta Pasta pairs wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce—think a rustic loaf or warm pita. For something even more substantial, add a crisp green salad with lemony vinaigrette or simply-steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans, which balance the richness of the cheesy, creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving Baked Feta Pasta in a big, shallow bowl and pile the basil high for a “just-picked” look. For family style, plate it in individual bowls and offer toppings tableside—grated lemon zest, olives, or even roasted vegetables take this viral favorite up a notch. You can also scoop it into a baking dish, top with more feta crumbles, and broil for a minute for a delightful bubbly finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Baked Feta Pasta before moving it to an airtight container; it keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch just as tempting—the sauce may thicken, but a splash of water or olive oil brings it right back to life.
Freezing
While Baked Feta Pasta is at its absolute best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that feta can change texture a bit after freezing, but the saucy goodness is still there!
Reheating
To reheat, transfer Baked Feta Pasta to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, add a bit of water or olive oil, and warm gently over low heat or in short stints in the microwave, stirring frequently. This restores creaminess and ensures the sauce clings to every delicious bite—just add more basil at the end for a hit of freshness.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a block of feta, crumbled feta works just fine. Just use a slightly smaller baking dish to keep everything snug and moist—this helps the cheese meld beautifully with the tomatoes as it bakes.
Which pasta shapes work best for Baked Feta Pasta?
Short, ridged pastas like penne, rotini, or fusilli are perfect, since their shapes capture more of the creamy, cheesy sauce. But truly, any pasta you have on hand will deliver a delicious result!
Is it possible to make Baked Feta Pasta vegan?
For a plant-based take, swap in your favorite vegan feta alternative and use egg-free pasta. The roasting technique and flavors still work, giving you a rich, creamy dish without any dairy.
Can I add vegetables or protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, olives, or grilled chicken can turn Baked Feta Pasta into heartier fare or help clean out your fridge. Just stir them in at the mashing step and enjoy the extra flavor boost.
Why is my sauce too dry or thick?
This typically means your pasta absorbed more sauce or you lost moisture during baking. Simply add more reserved pasta water or an extra drizzle of olive oil. Give everything a good toss and the dreamy, creamy texture will return.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes strike the perfect balance between impressive and effortless like Baked Feta Pasta. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this recipe guarantees cozy comfort and bold flavors you’ll crave again and again. Don’t wait for a special occasion—try it soon and make it your own!
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, flavorful goodness of Baked Feta Pasta with this easy-to-follow recipe. Burst cherry tomatoes, golden feta cheese, and aromatic garlic come together to create a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Feta Pasta:
- 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the ingredients: In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving some pasta water.
- Combine: Mash feta and tomatoes, add cooked pasta, and toss. Add pasta water as needed.
- Finish: Stir in basil, drizzle with olive oil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Enhance with sautéed spinach, olives, or cooked chicken.
- Crumbled feta can be used instead of a block.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
