Savor the deliciousness of Cheesy Baked Feta Pasta Delight with this easy and mouthwatering recipe! This creamy pasta combines juicy tomatoes and rich feta cheese, creating a flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a meal that your family will love.
200g (7 oz) pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli recommended)
200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese
250g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves of garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
![- 200g (7 oz) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended) - 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese - 250g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes - 3 cloves of garlic - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving This dish provides about 400 calories per serving. Feta cheese offers protein and calcium. Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C. Olive oil adds healthy fats. Red pepper flakes can boost metabolism. Enjoy the flavors while getting good nutrition! When you cook this dish, you combine tasty ingredients and great health benefits. Each bite brings joy and good energy. You can find the full recipe within this article. 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures your dish cooks evenly. 2. In a large baking dish, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Season with salt and cracked black pepper. Toss everything well to coat. 1. Make a small indent in the center of the tomato mix. Place the block of feta cheese in this space. Drizzle extra olive oil over the feta and sprinkle dried oregano on top. 2. Bake in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. Look for blistered tomatoes and soft, golden feta. 1. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta as per the package directions. Save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. 2. Once the feta and tomatoes are done, take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes, forming a creamy sauce. 3. Add the cooked pasta to the dish. Mix everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. If the mixture seems dry, stir in some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. For detailed guidance, check the Full Recipe. How to achieve perfectly cooked pasta To cook pasta well, always use a large pot with water. Add salt to the water; it should taste like the sea. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Always check the package for exact cooking times. Best practices for roasting tomatoes and feta Roasting enhances flavors. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best taste. Toss them with garlic, olive oil, and seasonings. Make sure to spread them in a single layer on your baking dish. Place the feta in the center to soak up the juicy goodness. Bake until the tomatoes burst, and the feta softens. Presentation tips for a gourmet touch For a beautiful dish, serve in shallow bowls. Top with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds elegance. You can also garnish with extra red pepper flakes for color. Ideal pairs (wine, bread, side dishes) This dish pairs well with a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. A crusty bread complements the creamy sauce. For side dishes, consider a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal. Overbaking the feta Keep an eye on the feta while it bakes. If you bake it too long, it will become dry and crumbly. The goal is soft and melty feta that mixes well with the tomatoes. Not reserving enough pasta water Always remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps create a creamy sauce. If your pasta seems dry, add a little reserved water to reach the desired consistency. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese or pasta type in this dish. If you want a creamier taste, try goat cheese or ricotta. For pasta, whole wheat or gluten-free options work well too. You can also add more vegetables for extra nutrition. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are great choices. Just chop them up and mix them in with the tomatoes before baking. Adding herbs and spices can make this dish even better. Try fresh thyme or basil for a bright taste. You can also mix in some lemon zest for a zesty kick. If you want protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. They complement the feta and make the meal heartier. For a vegan option, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative. There are great brands that mimic feta's flavor. You can also use cashew cheese for creaminess. For gluten-free pasta, look for options made from rice or chickpeas. These choices keep the dish tasty and suitable for different diets. After making baked feta pasta, let it cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. This keeps the pasta fresh and safe. You can store it for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. When you want to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in a few ways. The best method is using an oven. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Put the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm it for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This helps keep the creaminess and flavor intact. Yes, you can freeze baked feta pasta! To do this, let it cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you want to eat it, defrost it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven or microwave. This way, you get to enjoy this delightful dish anytime! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. Baked feta pasta is a simple and tasty dish. It features a block of feta cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and pasta. You bake the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. This dish became popular on social media for its ease and flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Yes, you can prep baked feta pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and prepare the tomato mix. Store them separately in the fridge. Bake the feta and tomatoes when you're ready to eat. This helps keep the pasta from getting mushy. You can make a vegan version of baked feta pasta. Use a plant-based feta cheese instead of regular feta. Some brands offer great taste and texture. You can also try cashew cheese as another option. To avoid mushy pasta, cook it al dente. This means it should still have a little bite. Reserve some pasta water when draining. Add it slowly to the sauce if needed for creaminess. Mix gently to keep the pasta intact. If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese or ricotta. Goat cheese offers a tangy flavor. Ricotta adds creaminess but is milder. Both can work well in baked feta pasta. The spice level with red pepper flakes depends on how much you use. One teaspoon adds mild heat. You can use less for no spice or more for extra kick. Adjust it to your taste for the perfect dish. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Baked feta pasta combines simple ingredients to create a delightful dish. We explored the main and optional ingredients, along with their health benefits. I detailed each step for preparation, baking, and mixing, ensuring you achieve a creamy sauce. To enhance your dish, I provided tips on cooking and serving. I also shared variations, storage methods, reheating tips, and FAQs. This dish is easy to customize and enjoy. Whether for a quick meal or a gathering, baked feta pasta is sure to impress.](https://recipesstation.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/45f7e4d7-3cf9-48fa-8309-626f97138df2-250x250.webp)