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To make Baked Feta Pasta, you need the following ingredients: - 250g pasta (penne or fusilli works great) - 200g feta cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon If you don’t have feta cheese, goat cheese is a great swap. It adds a tangy taste. You can also try ricotta for a creamier feel. For olives, green olives can work too. If you want a lighter option, use whole wheat pasta. You can skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cheese. Each serving of Baked Feta Pasta has about: - Calories: 450 - Protein: 12g - Carbohydrates: 55g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 3g This dish is rich in flavor and offers a good mix of nutrients. You get carbs from the pasta, protein from the feta, and healthy fats from the olive oil and olives. Enjoy this cozy meal with friends or family. For the full recipe, check out the details above. First, set your oven to 200°C (400°F). This high heat helps roast the tomatoes well. Next, grab a large baking dish. You want enough space for all the veggies and cheese. In the baking dish, mix together the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and minced garlic. This mix brings all the great flavors together. Pour in the olive oil and sprinkle dried oregano. If you like spice, add red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to toss the mixture until everything is well coated. Now, take the block of feta cheese and place it in the middle of the veggie mix. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top. Finish with the zest of one lemon for a fresh taste. While the feta and tomatoes roast, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture, as it will finish cooking with the sauce later. Once it's done, drain the pasta and set it aside. When the baking timer goes off after about 25-30 minutes, check the dish. The tomatoes should be blistered, and the feta should look soft and golden. Carefully mash the feta and tomatoes with a fork. This creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. Add the cooked pasta right into the baking dish. Toss everything well, ensuring the pasta gets coated in the feta-tomato sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This adds a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite of your baked feta pasta! You can find the full recipe for this dish to impress your guests or simply treat yourself. To get a creamy sauce, use high-quality feta cheese. Soft feta melts better and mixes well. When the feta bakes, it becomes warm and creamy. This texture helps create a rich sauce. Mix the feta with the roasted tomatoes and garlic gently. Make sure to mash them well with a fork. This step blends all the flavors together. The key is to combine the pasta and sauce right after baking. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always cook it al dente, so it stays firm. Another mistake is using too much oil. A little olive oil adds flavor, but too much can make the dish greasy. Avoid skipping the lemon zest; it brightens the flavors. Lastly, don’t forget to taste before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. These small tips help make your dish perfect. For sides, serve a fresh salad with crisp greens. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the pasta well. Garlic bread also pairs nicely, adding a crunchy texture. For beverages, a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works great. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, try sparkling water with lemon. These pairings enhance your meal, making it even more enjoyable. For the complete cooking process, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make Baked Feta Pasta vegetarian by omitting the olives. Use more veggies instead. Zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach add great flavor and color. To make it vegan, swap feta for a plant-based cheese. Tofu or cashew cream can also work well. Both options keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Pasta shapes matter! You can use penne or fusilli as I suggest in the recipe. But feel free to try spaghetti, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta. Each shape holds sauce differently. You might also add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. These additions can turn this dish into a full meal. Using seasonal ingredients makes this dish even better. In spring, add asparagus or peas for freshness. Summer brings ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. In fall, roasted butternut squash adds sweetness. During winter, use kale or Brussels sprouts for a hearty touch. Adjust based on what you find at the market for the best taste! To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. Then place it in the fridge. This dish stays tasty for about three days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to prevent drying. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until it's warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the oven gives it a better texture. If you want to freeze baked feta pasta, do this before baking. Assemble all the ingredients in the baking dish but do not bake. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. This will keep it fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then bake it as per the full recipe instructions. Enjoy the creamy goodness even later! Penne and fusilli work best for Baked Feta Pasta. Their shapes hold sauce well. You can also try rigatoni for a heartier bite. Any pasta that cooks al dente will work great. I suggest picking a shape that you enjoy. Yes, you can make Baked Feta Pasta ahead. Prepare the dish without baking it first. Cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it as the recipe states. This makes meal prep easy and tasty. To make Baked Feta Pasta gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options today. Just ensure it cooks to the right texture. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. Absolutely! While feta is key, other cheeses can work too. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Cream cheese adds creaminess, while mozzarella makes it melty. Each will give a different flavor, so experiment and find your favorite. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish too. For some heat, include red pepper flakes. You can also roast garlic for a sweeter taste. Try these ideas to take your dish to the next level! For more details on making this comforting dish, check out the Full Recipe. We covered the key ingredients and steps to make Baked Feta Pasta. You learned how to combine flavors for a creamy sauce and avoid common mistakes. I offered helpful tips for storage and meal prep. This dish is simple and fun, with many variations to explore. Use fresh ingredients or try new pasta shapes to keep it exciting. Enjoy this easy recipe and make it your own each time. Cook, share, and savor every bite!

Baked Feta Pasta

Indulge in a delicious Savory Baked Feta Pasta Delight that brings comfort food to a whole new level! With just a few simple ingredients like pasta, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes, you can create a creamy, flavorful dish that everyone will love. This easy recipe takes only 40 minutes from prep to table.
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Ingredients
  

250g pasta (penne or fusilli works great)

200g feta cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

    In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and minced garlic.

      Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Toss the mixture together until well coated.

        Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the veggie mixture. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top of the feta cheese and season with the zest of lemon.

          Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and soft.

            While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

              Remove the baking dish from the oven. Gently mash the feta and tomatoes together with a fork to create a creamy sauce.

                Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the feta-tomato sauce.

                  Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                    Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

                      Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4