If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together with minimal fuss, this Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe will quickly become your new go-to dinner. Imagine a creamy, tangy feta cheese melting into sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes roasted to perfection, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh basil. It’s a harmony of simple ingredients that creates a vibrant, comforting meal you’ll want to share with everyone you know. This recipe delivers on taste and elegance without asking for hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the richness of feta cheese to the vibrant pop of cherry tomatoes and fresh basil, every element is essential to make this dish sing.
- Feta cheese (8 ounces): Use a block of feta for perfect melting and creaminess that forms the base of the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups): Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes that roast to release natural sweetness and juices.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds a silky richness and helps roast the tomatoes and feta beautifully.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses a fragrant, savory depth to the dish.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings an earthy, aromatic note that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and cheese.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick of heat for balance and complexity.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and is crucial given the salty nature of feta cheese.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mild warmth and an extra layer of seasoning.
- Pasta (12 ounces; penne or rigatoni recommended): A sturdy shape that holds the creamy sauce well.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): Provides a bright, herbal finish that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to roast the cherry tomatoes and soften the feta just right. While waiting, gather your ingredients so everything is within easy reach.
Step 2: Assemble the Feta and Tomatoes
Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of a baking dish. Arrange your cherry tomatoes around the feta in a single layer for even roasting. This simple setup is the foundation of the magic to come.
Step 3: Flavor Boost
Drizzle olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and feta, then sprinkle on minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them in the oil and seasonings. This step is what gives the dish its irresistible aromatic allure.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re aiming for the feta to be soft and starting to get golden at the edges while the tomatoes burst open and become luscious and tender.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your feta and tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions, usually 10 to 12 minutes for al dente. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a secret ingredient for silky sauce texture.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce
When your baked feta and tomatoes come out of the oven, use a spoon or fork to mash them together, transforming the block and bursting tomatoes into a luscious, creamy sauce.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together thoroughly so every piece of pasta is coated in that rich, flavorful sauce. If it looks too thick, stir in reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to loosen things up perfectly.
Step 8: Fresh Finish
Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the pasta. Give the dish a quick taste and adjust with a pinch more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a little extra zing before serving warm.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic, fresh garnish to brighten the plate, but you can also add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of grated parmesan for added richness. A twist of lemon zest can bring a lovely zing if you want to experiment.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a fantastic choice to mop up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe family-style in the baking dish for a rustic, cozy feel, or plate it individually topped with microgreens or edible flowers to impress guests with a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this recipe, you can freeze leftovers by placing the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, but note the texture of the cherry tomatoes may soften further.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce has thickened. Stir frequently to maintain the creamy consistency without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique salty, tangy flavor is key to this dish, but you could try halloumi or a firm goat cheese for a different twist, though the texture and melting quality will vary.
What pasta shapes work best with this recipe?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni to your liking.
Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly, thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount to suit your heat preference, or skip them altogether for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the feta with a plant-based feta alternative and use nutritional yeast to add cheesy flavor. Roasting tomatoes and garlic stays the same.
What’s the best way to store the baked feta pasta leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture and enjoy anytime.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a delightful celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a way that feels both comforting and special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare yet impressive in taste. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and flavorful Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is an easy, comforting dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and feta cheese baked until soft and golden, then tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Cheese
- 8 ounces feta cheese
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Pantry
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it ready for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Arrange Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish to become the base of the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes: Arrange cherry tomatoes evenly around the block of feta in the dish.
- Oil Drizzle: Drizzle olive oil over both the feta and tomatoes ensuring everything is coated for roasting.
- Season: Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper evenly over the feta and tomatoes for flavor infusion.
- Toss Tomatoes: Gently toss the cherry tomatoes with the oil and seasonings to evenly coat them without disturbing the feta block.
- Bake: Place baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until feta is soft and slightly golden on the edges.
- Boil Water: While baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil to prepare pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water in case it’s needed later to thin the sauce.
- Remove Feta Dish: Take the baking dish out of the oven once the feta and tomatoes are done baking.
- Mash Sauce: Use a spoon or fork to mash the softened feta cheese and roasted tomatoes together until creamy and saucy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish with the mashed feta and tomatoes and toss well to coat the pasta.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired creaminess is reached.
- Garnish with Basil: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the pasta just before serving for a fresh flavor boost.
- Season to Taste: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
- Serve: Serve the baked feta pasta warm and enjoy this simple yet delicious meal.
Notes
- Use a sturdy baking dish that can go from oven to table.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps loosen the sauce without watering it down too much.
- For a creamier texture, mash the feta and tomatoes thoroughly.
- You can substitute penne or rigatoni with any short pasta shape like fusilli or ziti.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
