Why Make This Recipe
Baked Feta Pasta has taken the cooking world by storm, and for a good reason! This dish is not only fun to make, but it also delivers an amazing blend of flavors that everyone will love. The combination of creamy feta and sweet cherry tomatoes creates a delicious and comforting meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress your guests without too much hassle.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta or pasta of choice
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounce block feta cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, packed and chopped, plus more for serving
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish.
- Pour the olive oil on top, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss until everything is mixed well.
- Put the feta cheese block in the middle of the baking dish, surrounded by the cherry tomatoes. Flip the feta a couple of times to coat it in the oil and seasoning.
- Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta cheese melts.
- While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- Drain the pasta, saving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid if you want to use it later.
- Once the tomatoes and feta are done, add the minced garlic and chopped basil to the baking dish, mixing everything together.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine everything well.
- Top with extra fresh basil and serve warm.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
Serve this dish warm right from the oven. You can add more fresh basil on top for extra flavor. It pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
How to Store Baked Feta Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of olive oil or pasta water to loosen it up if needed.
Tips to Make Baked Feta Pasta
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the basil; it adds a fresh touch to the dish.
- Feel free to add some veggies, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the garlic according to your taste; you can add more if you love it!
Variation
You can try other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle if you don’t have cavatappi. You can also mix in some olives or artichokes for a Mediterranean twist.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use goat cheese or even cream cheese if you prefer. Each will give a different flavor.Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Baked Feta Pasta is a vegetarian dish, making it great for those who do not eat meat.Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the tomatoes and feta in advance and then bake them before serving. Just cook the pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish.
- Pour the olive oil on top, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss until everything is mixed well.
- Put the feta cheese block in the middle of the baking dish, surrounded by the cherry tomatoes. Flip the feta a couple of times to coat it in the oil and seasoning.
- Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta cheese melts.
- While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente.
- Drain the pasta, saving 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid if you want to use it later.
- Once the tomatoes and feta are done, add the minced garlic and chopped basil to the baking dish, mixing everything together.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine everything well.
- Top with extra fresh basil and serve warm.