If you have been hunting for a dish that is effortless yet irresistibly delicious, the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This recipe brings together creamy baked feta cheese with juicy oven-roasted cherry tomatoes, mingling their flavors into a luxurious sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta. It’s an incredibly simple method that turns everyday ingredients into a crowd-pleasing comfort meal bursting with color, texture, and a touch of Mediterranean magic. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, this pasta will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and create the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory notes. These basics are easy to find but essential for that rich, rustic texture and vibrant taste that makes the dish so memorable.
- 8 ounces block of feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, feta is the star that melts into the sauce creating irresistible richness.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes: Roasted until blistered, they bring sweetness and a juicy burst that contrasts beautifully with the feta.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a deep, aromatic foundation that elevates the whole dish.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Helps roast ingredients evenly and enhances flavor with its fruity richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that lends an earthy, savory undertone.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a subtle kick of heat to brighten up your palate.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to amplify the natural flavors.
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any preferred shape): The perfect canvas that holds the creamy sauce elegantly.
- Fresh basil leaves: For a fresh, herbal finish that adds aroma and color on the plate.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For an extra layer of nutty, salty flavor to sprinkle on top.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is key to roasting the feta and tomatoes perfectly — you want the tomatoes to blister and the feta to soften until it’s golden and almost creamy inside.
Step 2: Prepare Ingredients in the Baking Dish
Place the block of feta right in the center of your baking dish. Surround it with those plump cherry tomatoes. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the top. Give the tomatoes a gentle toss to coat them evenly with the seasonings, while leaving the feta undisturbed in the middle. This layering builds a depth of flavor as they roast together.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have blistered, softened, and started to burst, and the feta turns golden and creamy. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible, signaling that you’re steps away from something truly delicious.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the magic is happening in the oven, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s al dente. Be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy liquid will help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency later on.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Remove the baked feta and tomatoes from the oven, then use a spoon or spatula to mash them together right in the baking dish. This step transforms the ingredients into a luscious, creamy sauce, combining the tanginess of the cheese with the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes and the punch of garlic and herbs.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If you find the sauce a bit thick, just loosen it with a splash of that reserved pasta water. This will help the sauce cling beautifully to every piece of pasta, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe by garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves that add a refreshing bite and vibrant green color. If you want to elevate it even further, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately and prepare for compliments on this simple yet unbelievably tasty dish.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must-have to complement the creamy feta sauce with their herbaceous aroma and bright flavor. A handful of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can also add an exciting texture and richness that surprises in the best way.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Crusty garlic bread is another excellent side, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce and rounding out the meal with satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the baked feta and tomato mixture in small, individual ramekins for a charming presentation. Alternatively, mix in some roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant for added depth and color, making it a hearty one-pan dish that pleases both eyes and taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld beautifully overnight, making it an even tastier next-day lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
While freezing the pasta sauce alone is possible, it’s best to freeze the sauce and pasta separately to maintain the best texture. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to bring back the creamy consistency and prevent the pasta from drying out. Warm it slowly over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring often to ensure the sauce and pasta heat evenly without clumping or sticking.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is unique in its tangy and crumbly texture that melts into a creamy sauce when baked. While alternatives like goat cheese might work, the flavor and texture will differ significantly. For the authentic Baked Feta Pasta Recipe experience, sticking with feta is best.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Short and sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the baked feta sauce best, but feel free to experiment with other types you enjoy. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan take, you can substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Roasted tomatoes and garlic will still provide excellent flavor, but keep in mind the texture and creaminess might change from the original Baked Feta Pasta Recipe.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle hint of heat that brightens the dish without overwhelming it. You can easily adjust the amount or omit them altogether depending on your preference and tolerance for spice.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and baking technique remain the same, making the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe naturally adaptable for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of those dishes you want to make again and again because it offers so much flavor with such little effort. Its creamy, tangy sauce paired with sweet roasted tomatoes is pure comfort food that feels special every time. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s the perfect recipe to brighten up any weeknight or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This delicious Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish made by roasting cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese together, then mixing with cooked pasta. The warm, roasted flavors combined with garlic, oregano, and a hint of red pepper flakes create an easy and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) block of feta cheese
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any shape you prefer)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Prepare ingredients: In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the feta. Drizzle everything with olive oil, and sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the top. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them evenly in the seasonings.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta has softened and turned golden on top.
- Cook pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Create the sauce: When the baking is done, use a spoon or spatula to mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together in the dish, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the pasta with fresh basil leaves and optionally sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use high-quality feta for the best flavor and texture.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if needed.
- The red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat.
- Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps loosen the sauce to perfect consistency.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
