If you are searching for a delightfully simple yet incredibly flavorful dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners, this Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes with creamy, tangy feta cheese and an aromatic blend of herbs, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to every twist of riccioli pasta. The magic happens in the oven, bringing out intense flavors with minimal effort, making this recipe a true crowd-pleaser that feels both fresh on the palate and comforting at heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe is incredibly approachable thanks to its simple, honest ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role from the juicy burst of the tomatoes to the sharp creaminess of feta, and the herbs that tie everything together with fragrant depth.
- 1.2 lbs. cherry or grape tomatoes: Small, sweet, and perfect for roasting to release their natural juices and concentrate flavors.
- ¼ cup olive oil: Essential for roasting and enriching the dish, adding fruity undertones and silkiness.
- 1 tablespoon dried basil: Adds a warm, slightly sweet herbaceous note without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tablespoon dried chives: Brings a mild oniony flavor that complements the garlic beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon oregano: Offers a classic Mediterranean touch with a hint of earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon cracked peppercorns: Adds just the right kick of heat and aroma to balance the cheese’s creaminess.
- 4 whole cloves of garlic: Roasted gently alongside the tomatoes to mellow out and infuse the sauce with sweet garlic flavor.
- 8.65 ounces block feta cheese: The hero ingredient creating a luscious and tangy sauce once baked and mixed through the pasta.
- ¾ lb riccioli pasta: Its lovely corkscrew shape perfectly traps the sauce, making every bite flavorful.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Tomatoes and Feta
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Toss the cherry tomatoes into a baking dish and drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle over the dried basil, chives, oregano, and cracked peppercorns, stirring well to coat every tomato with the aromatic spices. Then, create a little well in the center of the tomatoes to nestle the block of feta cheese. Add the whole garlic cloves among the tomatoes for a burst of mellow garlic flavor as they soften during roasting.
Step 2: Bake and Cook Pasta
Place the baking dish in the center of your oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll notice the tomatoes slowly transform, bursting and caramelizing, while the feta becomes delightfully soft and creamy. Meanwhile, cook your riccioli pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later if you want a silkier texture.
Step 3: Combine Tomatoes, Garlic, and Feta
When your baked feta and tomatoes come out of the oven, it’s time for some gentle mashing. Using a wide spoon, crush the softened garlic cloves and burst tomatoes right into the creamy feta. Stir everything together until it becomes a deliciously cohesive sauce. Take a moment to taste and season with salt if needed—feta can sometimes be salty already, so season carefully.
Step 4: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Mix the cooked, drained pasta into the tomato and feta mixture, tossing thoroughly until every pasta piece is coated in that heavenly sauce. If you saved some pasta water earlier, add a splash now to create a luscious, slightly creamy consistency that ties the whole dish together beautifully.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
For a fresh burst of color and flavor, scatter some chopped fresh basil over the pasta just before serving. This Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe is best enjoyed warm and fresh, inviting you to dig in immediately and savor the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous tastes.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, consider garnishing with freshly chopped basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a glossy finish and enriches the flavors. Toasted pine nuts or a handful of arugula on top can add a surprising crunch and peppery freshness.
Side Dishes
This baked feta pasta pairs wonderfully with simple green salads, like arugula or baby spinach dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Crusty, warm bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, while roasted vegetables or grilled chicken can turn this into a more substantial, hearty meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, accommodating many side pairings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or family meal, serve this pasta straight from the baking dish at the table to enjoy its rustic charm. You can also portion it into individual bowls and garnish each with extra herbs and cheese. For a colorful twist, add some roasted bell peppers or olives to the roast, making the presentation even more vibrant and appetizing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the sauce thickens upon cooling, you might find it helpful to stir in a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water before reheating to bring back its creamy texture.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh to preserve the texture of the pasta and freshness of the tomatoes, you can freeze the baked feta and tomato mixture before combining with pasta. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cooked pasta mixed with the sauce to prevent mushiness upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a little pasta water or olive oil as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir often to ensure even warming without drying out the feta sauce. Avoid high heat to preserve the creamy texture and vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While riccioli pasta is recommended for its shape that holds the sauce beautifully, penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work wonderfully. Just choose a pasta that can catch the sauce for the best experience.
Is it necessary to use block feta cheese instead of crumbled?
Yes, using a block of feta cheese is key in this recipe because it roasts evenly and melts to a creamy texture that forms the sauce base—crumbled feta wouldn’t yield the same luscious consistency.
Can I add fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
You can! If you prefer fresh herbs, add them at the end of cooking or as a garnish to preserve their delicate flavors. For baking, dried herbs tend to hold up better and infuse the dish subtly throughout.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Definitely! This recipe contains no meat and centers around wholesome ingredients like feta, tomatoes, herbs, and pasta, making it a delicious vegetarian-friendly option.
How can I make this dish vegan?
You can substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative that melts well or try using a tofu-based feta. Keep in mind this will change the flavor profile but still result in a creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend trying this Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe enough. It is the perfect harmony of effortless preparation and incredible flavor that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. This joyful, comforting dish shows how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Give it a go and watch it become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbs Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese that melts into a luscious sauce. Tossed with riccioli pasta and seasoned with aromatic herbs and garlic, it’s an effortless and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1.2 lbs cherry or grape tomatoes
- 8.65 ounces block feta cheese
- 4 whole cloves of garlic
Herbs & Spices
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon cracked peppercorns
Oils & Pasta
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¾ lb riccioli pasta
Instructions
- Prepare and Season Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle dried basil, dried chives, oregano, and cracked peppercorns over the tomatoes and stir until well coated. Create a well in the center of the tomatoes to place the block of feta cheese, and tuck the whole garlic cloves into the tomatoes around the cheese.
- Bake Tomatoes and Feta: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the feta is softened and the tomatoes have burst. While baking, cook the riccioli pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some boiling pasta water if you want a creamier sauce.
- Combine the Sauce: Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Use a wide spoon to crush the roasted garlic and burst tomatoes, mixing them into the softened feta cheese. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined. Taste the sauce and add salt if needed, since feta can be salty, taste first.
- Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta directly to the feta and tomato sauce mixture. Toss everything together until well coated. If desired, add some reserved pasta water to loosen and enhance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the baked feta pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped basil if you like. Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh herbs for the dried herbs if preferred, adjusting quantities accordingly.
- Riccioli pasta works well for holding the sauce, but you can use other pasta shapes such as penne or fusilli.
- Reserved pasta water adds creaminess and helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Taste the dish before adding additional salt, as feta cheese is naturally salty.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
