Baked feta pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that features roasted cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese, baked until tender and combined with pasta for a creamy, tangy sauce. This viral recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason—it’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s quick and easy, requiring minimal prep work.
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients.
- Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
- Customizable with different pasta types and add-ins.
- A great way to use fresh tomatoes and herbs.
- It’s vegetarian-friendly and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 shallot, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
- 10 ounces short pasta (such as macaroni or cavatappi)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, quartered shallot, and smashed garlic cloves.
- Drizzle with 7 tablespoons of olive oil, season with kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes, and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Scatter fresh thyme sprigs over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is golden on top.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir the tomato and feta mixture until evenly combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to combine. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 3-4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 941 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add baby spinach or arugula for extra greens.
- Toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for added protein.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
- Try using different herbs like basil or oregano for a unique twist.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper tomato flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, or warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of feta and tomatoes may change.
FAQs
How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can substitute the feta with a plant-based feta alternative or a blend of cashew cream and nutritional yeast.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, try using goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well to hold the creamy sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the tomato and feta mixture ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
What other seasonings can I add?
Try adding dried oregano, basil, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh tomatoes work best for this recipe, but canned cherry tomatoes can be used in a pinch.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu make great additions.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
How can I make this dish more filling?
Add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added volume.
Conclusion
Baked feta pasta is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With its creamy, tangy sauce and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, hassle-free meal.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy baked feta pasta with roasted tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs, olive oil, and pasta, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 shallot, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
- 10 ounces short pasta (such as macaroni or cavatappi)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, quartered shallot, and smashed garlic cloves.
- Drizzle with 7 tablespoons of olive oil, season with kosher salt and crushed red pepper flakes, and toss to coat evenly.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Scatter fresh thyme sprigs over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is golden on top.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir the tomato and feta mixture until evenly combined.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to combine. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish with additional fresh thyme and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean