Baked Feta Pasta

A warm kitchen filled with the aroma of roasted garlic and melted cheese is an invitation to indulge. Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet delightful dish that takes about 40 minutes to prepare. The creamy feta paired with fresh tomatoes creates a perfect harmony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more.

This recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends. It easily serves a crowd and can be prepped in advance; just bake when you’re ready to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The creamy texture of baked feta transforms the pasta sauce into something truly luxurious.
• Bursting cherry tomatoes add a pop of sweetness with each bite.
• It only takes one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze.
• Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

For the Pasta

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)

For the Baked Mixture

• 1 block of feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

• Fresh basil for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Note: You can use any pasta shape you like.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Feta can be replaced with goat cheese.
• Cherry tomatoes can be swapped for halved grape tomatoes.
• Olive oil may be substituted with avocado oil.
• Fresh basil can be replaced with parsley or arugula.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to create your Baked Feta Pasta.

1. Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Combine ingredients

In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Bake mixture

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden.

4. Cook pasta

While the feta is baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions.

5. Drain pasta

Drain the pasta and set it aside.

6. Mix ingredients

Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork to mix the melted feta and tomatoes together until creamy.

7. Combine pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine.

8. Garnish

Garnish with fresh basil and sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired.

9. Serve

Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, it doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Choose a block of feta for better creaminess instead of crumbled.
• Don’t skip the baking time; it enhances the flavors significantly.
• If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking.
• Toss in some spinach or arugula for added greens when combining the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
• Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the sauce.
• Enjoy as a main dish during a casual get-together with friends.