Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice); 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese; 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes); 4 cloves garlic (minced); Fresh basil (for garnish); 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper (to taste); Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

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Introduction

Baked feta pasta is a simple, delicious dish that combines creamy feta cheese with roasted cherry tomatoes and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an easy recipe that transforms a few ingredients into a comforting meal with vibrant flavors.

A white bowl filled with three clear layers is shown: at the bottom are smooth, slightly yellowish penne pasta tubes, the middle layer has soft, white dollops of cheese scattered unevenly, and the top layer includes bright red roasted cherry tomatoes with a wrinkled texture. Small green basil leaves add color contrast on top. Tiny red chili flakes and some black seasoning are sprinkled over everything, adding texture and color. The bowl sits on a wooden board on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
1/4 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Fresh basil (for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 3: In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and the block of feta cheese in the center.
Step 4: Drizzle with olive oil, then add minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
Step 6: Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the baked feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
Step 7: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor in the sauce.
Add a handful of spinach or arugula right after baking for extra greens.
Swap dried oregano for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic twist.
For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with three layers of food is placed on a wooden board over a white marbled textured surface. The bottom layer is a creamy, light yellow penne pasta with a smooth texture. Scattered unevenly on top are soft white dollops of ricotta cheese that have a slightly crumbly texture, mixed with some loose red chili flakes giving specks of red and black. Bright, glossy roasted cherry tomatoes with a wrinkled skin are scattered across the dish, adding vibrant red color. A few fresh green basil leaves sit on the top, adding contrast and freshness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with many types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite shape to best hold the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative that melts well, or use tofu marinated in lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a similar tangy flavor.