![- 200g uncooked pasta (penne or fusilli) - 200g feta cheese - 300g cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Gather these ingredients for a delightful baked feta pasta. The core of this dish is the feta cheese and juicy cherry tomatoes. Their flavors blend beautifully when roasted. I love using penne or fusilli pasta, as they hold the sauce well. The olive oil adds richness, while garlic and oregano give it a lovely aroma. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Don’t forget salt and pepper to make the flavors pop! Fresh basil leaves and Parmesan add the final touch. You can find the full recipe for detailed steps on how to create this dish. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 2. In a baking dish, place the halved cherry tomatoes and feta cheese block in the center. 1. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. 2. Add minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. 3. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them well. 1. Bake the mixture for about 25-30 minutes. 2. Wait until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and bubbly. 1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. 2. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. Once done baking, remove the dish from the oven. 2. Use a fork to mash the feta cheese and mix it with the roasted tomatoes. 3. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine. 4. If it seems dry, add reserved pasta water little by little for the right texture. 5. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. 6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. For the full recipe and detailed instructions, click here: [Full Recipe]. When baking, ovens can vary in heat. If yours runs hotter, check the dish early. You want the tomatoes to burst and the feta to turn golden. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Look for soft tomatoes and a bubbly feta. To cook pasta just right, follow the package instructions. Aim for that perfect al dente texture. This means it should be firm yet tender. When you drain, save about half a cup of pasta water. This starchy water helps when mixing with the sauce. Baked Feta Pasta tastes great with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For a pop of color, add fresh basil leaves on top. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan for extra flavor. This makes the dish look nice and inviting. {{image_2}} You can switch the feta for other cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy taste. Cream cheese gives a rich flavor, too. If you want a nutty option, use ricotta. Add more veggies to make it special. Spinach adds a nice pop of color and flavor. Zucchini works well when sliced thin. Bell peppers can also bring sweetness and crunch. Fresh herbs can make this dish shine. Try basil or parsley to add freshness. A sprinkle of thyme offers an earthy taste. Want some protein? Chicken or shrimp are great choices. Cook them before mixing with pasta. You can also add chickpeas for a plant-based boost. If you need gluten-free pasta, use chickpea or rice pasta. Both options taste great in this dish. For a vegan meal, swap the feta for a plant-based cheese. You can also replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a lighter option. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Baked Feta Pasta fresh, refrigerate leftovers right away. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This will keep it tasty for up to three days. When storing, avoid mixing in extra sauce. This helps the pasta stay firm and not mushy. For the best texture, store the pasta and sauce separately. If you mix them, the pasta can absorb too much sauce. When ready to eat, just reheat the pasta with a splash of water if it seems dry. This keeps it nice! If you want to save Baked Feta Pasta for later, freezing works well. Let the pasta cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, take the pasta out of the freezer the night before. Let it thaw in the fridge. When it’s time to eat, warm it in a pan over low heat. Add a bit of olive oil or reserved pasta water to bring back the creaminess. Enjoy your meal just like it’s fresh from the oven! You can use several options if you want a feta substitute. Here are some ideas: - Goat cheese: It has a creamy texture and tangy taste. - Ricotta cheese: This gives a mild flavor and smooth texture. - Tofu: Use firm tofu for a vegan option. It absorbs flavors well. - Nutritional yeast: This adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. These options will change the taste slightly but still create a tasty dish. Yes, you can prep this dish ahead. To do this: - Cook the pasta, then store it in the fridge. - Mix the feta and tomatoes with oil and spices in a baking dish. - Cover the dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftover Baked Feta Pasta can last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. To store it: - Place it in an airtight container. - Keep it cool in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Reheat it gently to keep the flavors fresh. Definitely! You can use various pasta types. Here are some great options: - Penne: This is a classic choice that holds sauce well. - Fusilli: Its spirals trap the sauce and make each bite flavorful. - Rotini: Similar to fusilli, it adds a fun twist to the dish. - Gluten-free pasta: A perfect option for those with gluten allergies. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta to find what you like best. For the full recipe, check the cooking instructions above. This recipe covers the basics of Baked Feta Pasta. You learned about needed ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Variations and storage methods help adapt the dish to your tastes and needs. Experiment with flavors, swap ingredients, and try different pasta options for a unique dish. With simple steps and a few ingredients, you can create a tasty meal that satisfies. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful recipe!](https://southerndishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/0fd4b515-f9ac-41f5-846d-e68fad8281c6-250x250.webp)
Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Indulge in a delicious Cheesy Tomato Delight Pasta that’s easy to make and full of flavor! This recipe combines roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese into a heavenly sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. Enjoy a delightful dinner in just 40 minutes and impress your family with this comforting dish.