Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta

A warm kitchen filled with the savory aroma of roasted garlic and melting feta sets the stage for a delightful meal. Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta combines creamy feta with tender broccoli and perfectly cooked pasta, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and vibrant. With just 10 minutes of prep and under an hour in total, this recipe is an easy way to deliver delicious flavors with minimal effort.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends when you need a quick yet impressive dinner. It’s great for families, vegetarians, or anyone looking for a satisfying meal that can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the fridge for leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The baked feta creates a creamy sauce that envelops the pasta beautifully.
• Roasting the broccoli enhances its natural sweetness while providing a satisfying crunch.
• It takes only 10 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to bake, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
• The combination of lemon juice and zest adds a bright freshness that elevates the dish.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your masterpiece:

For the Pasta

• 8 oz pasta, any shape you prefer

For the Broccoli and Feta

• 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into quarters
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
• 8 oz brick of feta
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil

Use any pasta shape you enjoy; it all works well!

Substitutions & Swaps

• Replace broccoli with spinach or cauliflower.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of feta for lower fat.
• Swap lemon with lime for a different citrus flavor.
• Use dried herbs if fresh basil is unavailable.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to make your delicious pasta dish:

Preheat

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Prepare Broccoli

Cut broccoli florets into quarters and place them in a baking dish. Drizzle 1/2 cup olive oil over the broccoli and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss to coat the broccoli in the oil.

Add Feta

Make a space for the brick of feta in the middle of the broccoli and place it there. Drizzle more olive oil and sprinkle black pepper on top of the feta.

Bake

Bake in the oven at 400°F for 35 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the feta is slightly golden.

Cook Pasta

While the feta and broccoli bake, cook 8 oz of pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Combine Ingredients

Remove the feta and broccoli from the oven and immediately stir to combine. Pour in some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.

Add Pasta and Season

Add the warm cooked pasta into the pan and stir again. Finish the dish with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh basil. Stir once more to fully combine and serve.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, this dish does not freeze well.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 1-2 minutes or until hot.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure to reserve enough pasta water to achieve your preferred creaminess.
• Roast the broccoli until slightly charred for extra flavor.
• Use a quality feta for the best creamy texture.
• Fresh basil enhances the final flavor, so don’t skip it.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Enjoy with a glass of white wine for a delightful dinner experience.