Baked feta pasta became an online sensation, and once you make it, you’ll understand why. I was late to the trend at first. I kept seeing photos of burst tomatoes melting into a block of feta and thought, Can something that simple really be that good? One day, after spending hours working on a complicated baking project and feeling completely worn out, I decided to try it. I tossed everything into a baking dish, slid it into the oven, and hoped for the best.
The result honestly surprised me. The tomatoes turned jammy and sweet, the feta became creamy and tangy, and together they formed the most comforting sauce. It tasted like something you’d expect from a cozy café, yet it took barely any effort. Since then, I’ve adjusted the ingredients just a bit to make the flavors shine even more. Now, it’s a weeknight favorite in our home, and I think it will be in yours too.
Kitchen Essentials You’ll Need
Before we dive into the deliciousness, let’s make sure you have everything you need. A few key pieces of equipment will make this recipe a breeze:
- 9×13 inch Baking Dish: This is the perfect size for even cooking and allows ample room for the sauce to develop.
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta, of course! Make sure it’s big enough to hold plenty of water so the pasta cooks evenly.
- Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta.
- Mixing Spoon or Spatula: For stirring everything together and ensuring the feta melts evenly.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for consistent results.
- Garlic Press (Optional): While you can mince garlic, a press makes it quick and easy.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta
Okay, let’s talk about why you’re going to absolutely adore this baked feta pasta recipe. Beyond the fact that it’s incredibly easy, here’s what makes it so special:
- Unbelievably Creamy and Tangy: The baked feta melts into a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The tanginess of the feta perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: This recipe requires very little hands on time. Simply toss the ingredients together, bake, and stir. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Customizable to Your Taste: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or spices to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
- Crowd Pleaser: Everyone loves pasta, and this baked feta pasta is no exception. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- Uses Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You probably already have many of the ingredients in your pantry. No need for fancy or hard-to-find items.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prepping lunches or dinners.
Baked Feta Pasta Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece:
- 1 pound Pasta: I prefer penne or rotini, but any short pasta shape will work.
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes: Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 8 ounces Feta Cheese: Use a block of feta in brine, not crumbled feta. The block melts more evenly and creates a creamier sauce.
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil is essential for flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Minced or pressed.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick (optional).
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped, for garnish.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make this incredible baked feta pasta:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, feta block, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and bursting and the feta is melted and slightly golden.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Mash and Stir: Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to gently mash the tomatoes and feta together, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Fun Variations You Can Try
Want to put your own spin on this baked feta pasta? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Add Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or spinach would all be delicious additions. Toss them with the tomatoes and feta before baking.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would make this a more substantial meal. Add them to the baking dish during the last 10 minutes of baking to heat through.
- Use Different Herbs: Try adding oregano, thyme, or rosemary instead of or in addition to Italian seasoning.
- Creamy Dreamy: Stir in a dollop of mascarpone cheese or heavy cream at the end for an extra creamy sauce.
- Sun Dried Tomato Boost: Add a handful of oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for intense flavor.
- Pesto Power: Stir in a spoonful of pesto at the end for a burst of fresh, herbaceous flavor.
How I Love to Serve It
This baked feta pasta is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways I love to serve it:
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is the perfect complement to the rich pasta.
- With Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
- As a Potluck Dish: This recipe is easy to transport and always a hit at potlucks and gatherings.
- For a Quick Lunch: Leftovers make a fantastic and satisfying lunch.
- As a Base for Other Dishes: Use the baked feta and tomato mixture as a base for pizza or bruschetta.
Helpful Tips from My Kitchen
Making the best baked feta pasta is all about the details. Here are some of my favorite tips and tricks to ensure your dish is a resounding success:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key. It will continue to cook slightly in the oven with the sauce, so you want to make sure it doesn’t become mushy.
- Use Good Quality Olive Oil: The flavor of the olive oil really shines through in this recipe, so use the best you have on hand.
- Don’t Skimp on the Garlic: Garlic is essential for adding depth of flavor. Feel free to add even more if you’re a garlic lover.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before adding the pasta, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
- Reserve Enough Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps to create a creamy, emulsified sauce. Don’t be afraid to add more if needed to achieve the desired consistency.
- Let the Feta Brown Slightly: A little bit of browning on the feta adds a wonderful nutty flavor.
- Fresh Herbs are Key: Don’t skip the fresh basil! It adds a pop of freshness and brightens the flavors of the dish. Other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley would also be delicious.
- Roast Other Vegetables Alongside: If you’re adding other vegetables, consider roasting them on a separate baking sheet to ensure they cook evenly.
Important Cooking Reminders
While this recipe is incredibly simple, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid any kitchen mishaps:
- Oven Temperatures Vary: Keep a close eye on the baking dish, especially towards the end of the cooking time. Ovens can vary in temperature, so adjust the baking time as needed to prevent burning.
- Use Oven Mitts: The baking dish will be very hot when it comes out of the oven. Always use oven mitts to handle it safely.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: If you’re adding a lot of extra vegetables, you may need to use a larger baking dish or bake in two batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Be Careful When Draining the Pasta: Hot pasta water can cause burns. Use a colander with sturdy handles and drain the pasta carefully.
- Adjust Red Pepper Flakes to Your Spice Tolerance: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of red pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Burnt garlic can taste bitter. Keep an eye on it while baking and make sure it doesn’t brown too quickly.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Per Serving (approximately 1/6 of the recipe):
- Calories: 450-550
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Saturated Fat: 12-18g
- Cholesterol: 60-80mg
- Sodium: 500-700mg
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Sugar: 8-12g
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Common Questions You Might Have
Still have questions about making this baked feta pasta? Here are a few common ones:
- Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block? While you *can*, I highly recommend using a block of feta in brine. It melts much more evenly and creates a creamier sauce. Crumbled feta tends to dry out and doesn’t incorporate as well.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prep the ingredients ahead of time by tossing the tomatoes, feta, garlic, and seasonings in the baking dish. Store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best results.
- How do I store leftovers? Store leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
Conclusion
This baked feta pasta recipe is more than just a viral trend; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and delicious flavors. The creamy, tangy sauce, the perfectly cooked pasta, and the fresh basil create a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, or a comforting bowl of pasta to brighten your day, this baked feta pasta is sure to deliver.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of baked feta pasta. Enjoy! And don’t forget to share your own variations and experiences with this baked feta pasta. Happy cooking!
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Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
Baked Feta Pasta Ingredients
- 1 pound Pasta: I prefer penne or rotini, but any short pasta shape will work.
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes: Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 8 ounces Feta Cheese: Use a block of feta in brine, not crumbled feta. The block melts more evenly and creates a creamier sauce.
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil: Good quality olive oil is essential for flavor.
- 4 cloves Garlic: Minced or pressed.
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning: Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick (optional).
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped, for garnish.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors at the end.
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, feta block, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and bursting and the feta is melted and slightly golden.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Mash and Stir: Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to gently mash the tomatoes and feta together, creating a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add a little of the reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the lemon juice and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-550
- Sodium: 500-700
- Protein: 20-25