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- 8 oz pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or rigatoni) - 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved For this dish, the pasta is key. I love using penne or fusilli because they hold the sauce well. You can also choose rigatoni for a fun twist. The feta cheese is another star. It should be a block for the best melting texture, but crumbled feta works too. The cherry tomatoes bring freshness and sweetness. Make sure they are ripe and juicy. - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to preference) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon Now, let’s talk about pantry staples. Olive oil adds richness and helps the flavors mingle. Garlic gives a lovely aroma. Dried oregano adds an herb note, while the red pepper flakes bring a bit of heat. Adjust the flakes to your taste. Don’t forget salt and black pepper; they enhance all the flavors. For garnishing, fresh basil leaves and lemon zest add brightness to the dish. You can find the full recipe in the article above. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This lets it get hot while you prepare the dish. Grab a baking dish and place the halved cherry tomatoes in it. Add the block of feta cheese right in the center. Now, sprinkle in the minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the tomatoes are well-coated in the oil and spices. Now it's time to bake! Place your dish in the oven for about 30 minutes. You know it’s ready when the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden and soft. This is when the magic happens, and your kitchen will smell amazing. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta. Follow the package instructions to get it to al dente. This means it should still have a bit of firmness when you bite into it. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. When the baking time is up, carefully take out your dish. Using a fork, mash the feta and mix it with the burst tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce that will coat your pasta beautifully. Now, add the cooked pasta to the feta-tomato mix. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen it up. Finally, stir in the lemon zest and taste for seasoning. For the full recipe, check out the details provided above! To make a creamy sauce, use fresh, quality feta cheese. A block melts better than crumbled feta. When the feta bakes, it becomes soft and mixes well with the tomatoes. This creates a rich, creamy texture. Adjust spice levels by starting with less red pepper flakes. If you like heat, add more later. You can also play with herbs. Fresh herbs add bright flavor. Dried oregano works well, but fresh basil is a nice touch too. To serve for visual appeal, use shallow bowls. This helps show off the colors of the dish. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil on top. It adds shine and flavor. For garnishes, add fresh basil leaves. They give a nice pop of green. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds color and hints of spice. This makes your dish look and taste great. {{image_2}} You can switch up the feta cheese if you want. Try using vegan feta made from nuts or tofu. This gives you a dairy-free option. For pasta, you can also use gluten-free pasta or whole wheat. It changes the taste but keeps it yummy. Adding different veggies is fun too. Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Each adds a new flavor and texture. You can even mix in roasted garlic for a sweet taste. Want to make it heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. If you prefer a plant-based choice, use chickpeas or lentils. These options boost protein and make it filling. Don’t forget about herbs! Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary can change the dish. They add a bright taste. You can also sprinkle some lemon juice for a zesty kick. Experimenting is key to making this dish your own. For the full recipe, check out Baked Feta Pasta Delight. To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. You can freeze it too! Just put it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. Let it cool completely before freezing to keep the best texture. When you are ready to eat, reheat your pasta gently. Use a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, add a splash of water to help steam it. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. If using a skillet, add a bit of olive oil for flavor. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Reheat until warm, but do not overcook. Enjoy your delicious Baked Feta Pasta! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. Can I use a different kind of cheese? Yes, you can. Try goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor. Both melt well and add creaminess. Just remember, the taste will change a bit, but that's okay! How can I make it vegetarian or vegan? To make it vegetarian, skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat. For a vegan version, use a plant-based feta. Many brands offer tasty options that mimic the creamy texture of feta. What variations can I make for dietary restrictions? You can swap pasta for gluten-free options like rice or lentil pasta. For nut allergies, ensure your cheese or any other ingredient is nut-free. Always check labels to be safe. How to avoid overcooking the pasta? Cook the pasta one minute less than the package suggests. This keeps it firm. It will finish cooking when mixed with the hot feta-tomato sauce. Tips for selecting ripe cherry tomatoes Choose tomatoes that feel firm and look shiny. They should smell sweet and fragrant. If they have a bit of give, that’s a good sign they’re ripe and ready to eat. Recommended side dishes or beverages to pair with baked feta pasta Pair your dish with a fresh green salad. A light vinaigrette will add a nice touch. For drinks, a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio works well. Sparkling water with lemon is a great non-alcoholic choice. Ideas for incorporating seasonal ingredients In summer, add zucchini or bell peppers for crunch. In fall, try roasted butternut squash. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten up the dish anytime of year. This blog post offered a clear guide to making baked feta pasta. We covered essential ingredients, from pasta choices to fresh basil. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation and baking, making it simple to follow. I shared tips to enhance flavor and presentation, plus variations for dietary needs. Lastly, we discussed how to store leftovers and answer common questions. Cooking this dish can bring joy and warmth to your table. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!

Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Indulge in a delicious Baked Feta Pasta Delight that will wow your taste buds! This easy recipe combines creamy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and al dente pasta for a mouthwatering meal in just 40 minutes. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you'll have a comforting dish ready for any occasion.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the tomatoes are coated and everything is evenly distributed.

      Create a well in the center of the tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese in it. Drizzle it with a little extra olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

        Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes burst 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.

            Once the baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.

              Combine the cooked pasta with the feta-tomato mixture, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

                Stir in the lemon zest and adjust seasoning if needed.

                  Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls, drizzled with a bit of extra olive oil and garnished with additional basil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a vibrant look.