Baked Feta Pasta

Baked feta pasta is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress. Roasting a block of feta cheese alongside cherry tomatoes creates a rich, creamy, and tangy sauce that’s perfect for tossing with pasta. With minimal ingredients and prep time, this dish is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked feta pasta has become a viral sensation for good reason. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly simple to prepare, and uses only a handful of ingredients. The feta cheese becomes beautifully melty and creamy when baked, mixing with the roasted tomatoes to create a flavorful sauce. Add in fresh basil, garlic, and pasta, and you have a meal that is both satisfying and comforting. Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to switch up the pasta or use different seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cavatappi pasta or pasta of choice

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes

• 8 ounce block feta cheese

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup fresh basil, packed and chopped, plus more for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss until the tomatoes are well-coated.

3. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, surrounded by the tomatoes. Flip the feta a couple of times to coat it with the olive oil and seasonings.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta cheese becomes soft and melted.

5. While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions, until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooking liquid in case you’d like to toss it in later.

6. Once the tomatoes and feta are out of the oven, immediately add the minced garlic and fresh basil to the baking dish. Toss everything together to combine and release the flavors.

7. Transfer the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine with the roasted feta and tomato mixture.

8. Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Pasta Choice: While cavatappi is used in this recipe, you can use any pasta you like such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. You can even make it gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free pasta.

• Different Tomatoes: Although cherry tomatoes offer the best flavor and burst beautifully when roasted, you can substitute them with regular tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes in a pinch.

• Herbs: While basil is classic, you can experiment with other fresh herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley for a slightly different flavor profile.

• Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative or use a creamy vegan cheese sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of olive oil or pasta cooking liquid to restore its creamy texture. You can also reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different kind of cheese besides feta?

Yes, you can use another type of cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta, although the flavor and texture will change. Feta’s tangy and creamy nature is what makes this recipe unique.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time by roasting the tomatoes and feta and storing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, cook the pasta and combine the two. It’s a great meal for meal prep!

3. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the olive oil and seasoning mix before roasting the tomatoes and feta. This will add a nice kick to the dish without overpowering the other flavors.

4. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil works best for this recipe because it adds a vibrant flavor and color. However, if you don’t have fresh basil, you can use 1-2 teaspoons of dried basil in its place.

5. Is this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, baked feta pasta is a vegetarian dish as it uses cheese and no meat. It’s perfect for meatless meals!

6. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! This recipe is versatile, so feel free to swap the cavatappi for any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli.

7. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

8. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

While fresh cherry tomatoes give the best flavor, you can substitute canned diced tomatoes if necessary. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid extra liquid in the dish.

9. How do I know when the feta is melted enough?

The feta should be soft and creamy when it’s done, and the tomatoes will have burst and released their juices. If you like a more golden top, you can broil the feta and tomatoes for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

10. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes! Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach would be great additions to this dish. Simply toss them in with the tomatoes and feta before baking.

Conclusion

Baked feta pasta is an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re sticking to the original recipe or adding your own twists, this dish is a delicious and satisfying option that’s sure to please everyone at the table.