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- 200g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended) - 200g block of feta cheese - 400g cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more or less to taste) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for a bright flavor boost) To make Baked Feta Tomato Pasta, you need just a few key ingredients. First, pick a pasta. I suggest penne or fusilli. They hold the sauce well and give great texture. Next, get a block of feta cheese. It will soften and mix well with the tomatoes. Use ripe cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor when baked. Garlic adds a nice touch, too. For seasoning, you'll need olive oil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice to your taste. Don’t forget salt and freshly ground black pepper. These enhance all the flavors. For garnish, fresh basil leaves bring color and taste. If you want a zesty kick, add lemon zest. It brightens the dish and makes it stand out. These simple ingredients come together to create a meal that is both delicious and easy to make. Enjoy! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, you need to preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). This step is key. It helps cook the dish evenly. While the oven warms up, you can prepare the tomatoes and garlic. Take a large, oven-safe baking dish. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Sprinkle in a teaspoon of dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste. Next, drizzle two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the tomato mixture. Toss everything gently to coat the tomatoes well. Now, create a well in the center of this mixture. Place the block of feta cheese right into this space. Press it down slightly to submerge it in the juices. For added flavor, drizzle the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil directly over the feta. While your dish bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 200 grams of pasta (penne or fusilli) according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve one cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is crucial for the sauce later. After thirty minutes, carefully take the baking dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish. Stir everything together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. If you want, sprinkle lemon zest over the dish to brighten the flavors. - Achieving the perfect al dente pasta: Cook your pasta in salted water until it is firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Remember, the pasta will soften more when mixed with the sauce. - Ensuring the feta melts nicely: Use a block of feta, not crumbled. Place it in the center of the tomatoes. When baked, it will soften and mix well with the other flavors. Drizzle olive oil over the feta before baking. This helps it melt beautifully. - Presentation ideas for serving: Serve the pasta straight from the baking dish for a casual feel. For a fancier look, plate individual servings. Add a sprinkle of black pepper and extra basil on top. - Complementary side dishes: Pair your baked feta tomato pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works well. Garlic bread is also a great choice. It adds crunch and is perfect for dipping. - Alternative seasoning options: Try adding a pinch of Italian seasoning or lemon zest for brightness. You can also adjust the heat by changing the amount of red pepper flakes. - How to use herbs for a flavor boost: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can elevate the dish. Add them just before serving to keep their vibrant flavor. You can also sprinkle some fresh basil for extra aroma and taste. Pro Tips Use Quality Feta: Choose a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Authentic Greek feta is typically creamier and adds a richer taste to the dish. Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Adding them gradually can help you find the perfect balance. Experiment with Veggies: Add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the mix before baking to enhance nutrition and flavor. Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepped ahead of time. Assemble everything and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve! {{image_4}} For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives. Look for rice or chickpea-based pasta. These options still taste good while keeping your meal safe for gluten-free diets. If you want to make this dish vegan, swap the feta cheese. You can use a plant-based feta or try tofu. Crumbled tofu works well when seasoned. Feel free to add more veggies to your pasta. Spinach adds a nice green touch. Bell peppers can bring sweetness and color. You can toss them in before baking for extra flavor and nutrition. For protein, consider adding chicken or shrimp. Cook the chicken in the oven or sauté the shrimp on the stove. Both options will make your meal heartier and more filling. Herbs can change the whole taste of your dish. Try using thyme or rosemary for a different flavor. These herbs pair well with the tomatoes and feta. You can also play with spices. Cumin adds warmth, while smoked paprika gives a nice depth. Just add a pinch to elevate your dish even more. To keep your baked feta tomato pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent any extra moisture from making it soggy. Refrigerate your leftovers within two hours of cooking. Pasta can dry out, so add a splash of olive oil before sealing the container. This will help keep it creamy and tasty. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat gently. Use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring often to keep the texture smooth. On the stovetop, add a little water or olive oil in a pan. Warm it on low heat, stirring frequently for even heating. To refresh flavors, taste and add a pinch of salt, pepper, or fresh herbs before serving. Baked Feta Tomato Pasta will last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. The flavors may deepen over time, making it even tastier. Just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before enjoying your leftovers. Yes, you can use frozen tomatoes and feta. However, be aware that the texture may change once thawed. Frozen tomatoes might release more water when cooked, so adjust your cooking time accordingly. Thawed feta may not crumble as easily, but it will still taste great in this dish. Serve Baked Feta Tomato Pasta straight from the baking dish for a cozy feel. You can also plate individual servings for a more elegant look. Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper for a nice finish. Pair it with a light salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. Yes, you can prepare Baked Feta Tomato Pasta ahead of time. You can assemble the dish and store it in the fridge before baking. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. This makes it easy for busy nights or when entertaining guests. In this blog post, we covered how to make a delicious baked feta tomato pasta. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. Remember to experiment with flavors and adjust as you see fit. Whether you follow the recipe closely or try variations, this dish will delight your taste buds. Enjoy your cooking and make this meal a favorite for family and friends!

Baked Feta Tomato Pasta

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring baked feta cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
  • 200 g block of feta cheese
  • 400 g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  • In a large oven-safe baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes with the minced garlic. Add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Drizzle two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the mixture and toss gently to coat the tomatoes.
  • Create a well in the center of the tomato mixture and place the block of feta cheese in this space, pressing it down slightly.
  • Drizzle the remaining two tablespoons of olive oil over the feta cheese.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is softened.
  • While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
  • Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and mash the softened feta with a fork, mixing it with the roasted tomatoes until creamy.
  • Add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish and stir together, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If using, sprinkle lemon zest over the dish.
  • Top with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve straight from the baking dish for a rustic look.
Keyword baked, easy, feta, pasta, tomatoes