Baked Feta Pasta

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Baked Feta Pasta has taken the internet by storm for a reason. It's a simple, one-dish wonder that transforms humble ingredients into a creamy, flavorful pasta dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta

The star of this dish is the feta cheese, which bakes into a creamy sauce with a tangy kick. Surrounding it are sweet cherry tomatoes that blister and burst, releasing their juices. A drizzle of olive oil helps everything meld together, while minced garlic and red pepper flakes add a subtle heat and depth. Don't forget the salt and pepper to season everything perfectly. Your choice of pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for the sauce, while fresh basil leaves and lemon zest bring a refreshing finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use high-quality feta for the best flavor; Greek feta tends to be creamier.
  • If you’re not a fan of spicy, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • Try using a variety of colorful cherry tomatoes for a visually appealing dish.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad on the side, balancing out the richness of the dish. A slice of garlic bread or a crusty baguette can also be a great addition for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, while feta is traditional, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor and texture.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini works well to catch the sauce, but use whatever you have on hand.

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures everything cooks evenly once it hits the oven. Next, grab a baking dish and center the block of feta cheese. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around it, creating a cozy nest for your cheese. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring everything gets a good coating. Sprinkle the minced garlic and red pepper flakes over the top, followed by a pinch of salt and pepper. Pop the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta looks golden and soft.

While the oven works its magic, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining; it might come in handy for adjusting the sauce later.

Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, gently mash the feta, allowing it to blend with the juicy tomatoes. This is your sauce, so give it a good stir to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss it all together. If the mixture seems a bit dry, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Finally, stir in the fresh basil and lemon zest for that burst of freshness. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy your creation!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Minimal ingredients: Just a handful of pantry staples.
  • Quick prep and cleanup: One dish for baking, one pot for pasta.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt to what you have on hand.
  • Flavor-packed: A delightful balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh.

Ingredients

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
10 oz pasta of choice
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish and surround it with cherry tomatoes.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then sprinkle minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
5. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
6. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta and burst the tomatoes, stirring to combine.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
8. Stir in the fresh basil and lemon zest, then serve warm.

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