Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that has taken kitchens by storm. Combining creamy baked feta with roasted cherry tomatoes and tender pasta, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent without much effort.

Ingredients

• 9 oz farfalle pasta (250 g)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (350 g)
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 7 oz block feta cheese (drained, 200 g)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 handful fresh basil (chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 390 degrees F (200 C).
2. Step 2: In a baking dish, add olive oil, minced garlic, and cherry tomatoes.
3. Step 3: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top and season with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
4. Step 4: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft.
5. Step 5: While baking, cook the farfalle pasta al dente according to the package instructions, then drain.
6. Step 6: Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently mash the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and feta together with a fork to create a creamy sauce.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta and chopped fresh basil to the baking dish. Stir everything well to combine and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier sauce, add a splash of pasta water before mixing in the pasta.
• Try substituting farfalle with penne or fusilli for different textures.
• Add red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
• Use fresh herbs like thyme or oregano if you have them on hand for brighter flavor.

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, adding a little olive oil or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Feta is key for its salty and creamy texture, but you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese for a different taste and creaminess. Just note the flavor will be milder.

Is it necessary to bake the cheese and tomatoes together?

Yes, baking softens the feta and tomatoes, allowing their flavors to meld and create the signature creamy sauce that makes this dish so delicious.

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 50 reviews

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple and flavorful dish combining roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy baked feta cheese with perfectly cooked farfalle pasta. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is easy to prepare and yields a deliciously comforting meal bursting with garlic, herbs, and fresh basil.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 9 oz farfalle pasta (250 g)

Vegetables & Cheese

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (350 g)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 7 oz block feta cheese, drained (200 g)

Seasonings & Oils

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 handful fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: In a baking dish, add the olive oil, minced garlic, and cherry tomatoes, spreading them evenly.
3. Add Feta and Seasonings: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, drizzle a bit more olive oil over it, and season everything with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
4. Bake: Bake the mixture for 35 to 40 minutes until the tomatoes burst and feta is soft and slightly golden.
5. Cook Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the farfalle pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
6. Combine Ingredients: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, smash the roasted tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese together to create a creamy sauce.
7. Mix Pasta and Basil: Add the drained pasta and chopped fresh basil to the baking dish and toss everything together until fully combined. Serve warm.

Notes

• You can substitute farfalle with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
• For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking.
• Use fresh oregano or thyme if available for more aromatic flavor.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or olive oil to keep pasta moist.

Keywords: Baked feta pasta, cherry tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, Mediterranean pasta, vegetarian pasta dish