Baked feta pasta has taken the culinary world by storm, captivating food lovers with its delightful blend of flavors and effortless preparation. This delicious dish combines the creaminess of feta cheese with the sweetness of roasted tomatoes, creating a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this recipe allows you to savor wholesome ingredients without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why We Love This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
What sets baked feta pasta apart is its simplicity and the burst of flavors that come together beautifully. The dish embraces fresh vegetables and vibrant spices, making it an appealing choice for health-conscious individuals and pasta lovers alike. The feta cheese melts into the pasta, adding a creamy, tangy dimension that elevates each bite. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning minimal cleanup for you! You can easily customize it to suit your taste without compromising its core flavor, making it a highly versatile recipe.
Ingredients about Baked Feta Pasta
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 0.5 cup sliced red onion
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves peeled garlic
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 (8 ounce) package feta cheese
- 1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta
- 1 cup baby spinach
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Directions
To start your baked feta pasta journey, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grab a large 13×9-inch baking dish and combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, and sliced red onion. Drizzle in the olive oil and add the peeled garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir in red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and sea salt. Mix gently until all vegetables are coated in the flavorful olive oil blend.
Once you have everything well combined, make a well in the center of the dish and place the block of feta cheese there, making sure to flip it in the olive oil for added flavor. Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes blister beautifully and the feta cheese softens, creating a creamy texture.
While your dish bakes, time to cook the penne pasta! Refer to the package instructions and boil until it reaches an al dente state. Drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water. This water will help bring everything together later.
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and mash the roasted tomato and feta mixture using a fork or a spoon, allowing the flavors to meld. Add in the baby spinach and stir until it wilts slightly. Now incorporate the cooked penne pasta into the mixture, tossing everything well. If it needs a little more moisture, add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Serve immediately, and watch your guests come back for seconds!
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
When it comes to serving your baked feta pasta, consider garnishing with some fresh herbs, like basil or parsley, to give it a pop of color and freshness. You can enjoy this dish on its own or alongside some crusty bread to soak up those delicious, creamy flavors. Not only does it make a wonderful meal, but it also presents beautifully, making it an excellent choice for entertaining.
If you’re feeling adventurous, pair your baked feta pasta with a simple side salad of mixed greens drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a refreshing contrast. The vibrant colors and flavors in your dish will surely impress your family and friends!
Expert Tips: Baked Feta Pasta
To elevate your baked feta pasta game, here are some expert tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh cherry tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables. Quality ingredients will amplify the flavors of your dish.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to personalize the seasonings! If you love garlic, toss in a few extra cloves. Want additional heat? Add more red pepper flakes. It’s all about tailoring the dish to your taste.
- Experiment with cheese: While feta is the star, you can try using goat cheese or ricotta for a different take on the dish. Each cheese offers a unique flavor profile.
- Add proteins: If you want to make this a more substantial meal, consider incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for added protein.
- Make it vegan: Substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative, and ensure that your pasta is egg-free to create a delicious vegan-friendly version.
- Don’t rush the bake: Ensure your feta and tomatoes reach that perfect blistered stage. This allows the flavors to develop fully, making your dish all the more flavorful.
How to Store Baked Feta Pasta
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but it can happen!), storing baked feta pasta is easy. Allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, feel free to reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of your reserved pasta water to rejuvenate it.
Variation of Baked Feta Pasta
There are countless variations you can explore with baked feta pasta to keep your meals exciting:
- Vegetable mix: Swap out some of the cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for zucchini, asparagus, or even roasted garlic for an extra layer of flavor.
- Spicy twist: For those who crave spice, try adding sliced jalapenos or chipotle peppers to the mix. It will create a delicious heat that perfectly balances the creamy feta cheese.
- Cheesy indulgence: Increase the richness by mixing in some Parmesan cheese during the final mixing stage. This will contribute a savory depth to the already delightful dish.
- Pasta choices: While penne is a fantastic option, feel free to try different pasta shapes like fusilli, shells, or farfalle. Each shape holds sauce differently, giving you a unique texture experience.
- Seasonal flavors: Adapt the ingredients based on what’s in season. For example, in summer, fresh basil and ripe tomatoes shine, while in autumn, consider incorporating pumpkin or hearty greens.
FAQ
What makes baked feta pasta so delicious? Baked feta pasta is delicious due to the combination of roasted tomatoes, creamy feta, and flavorful spices that meld together during baking. This results in a delightful dish that’s both comforting and refreshing, making it a popular choice for many.
Can I make baked feta pasta ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the roasted mixture and cook your pasta separately. Combine them when you’re ready to bake. It’s a great way to save time, especially on busy days.
What other cheeses can I use instead of feta? While feta is recommended for its tangy flavor, you can use goat cheese or ricotta for a unique twist on the dish. Each cheese will bring its own taste and texture, making the dish a fun culinary adventure.
Is baked feta pasta suitable for vegetarians? Absolutely! Baked feta pasta is a vegetarian dish that incorporates fresh vegetables and cheese, making it a hearty and satisfying option for those who avoid meat.
How can I make baked feta pasta more filling? To make your baked feta pasta more filling, consider adding cooked protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas. This will increase the nutritional value and keep you satisfied for longer.
Enjoy creating this delightful baked feta pasta dish, and may it become a cherished favorite in your culinary repertoire!
Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes Fresh cherry tomatoes for best flavor.
- 0.5 cup sliced red bell pepper Sliced for even cooking.
- 0.5 cup sliced red onion Sliced for even cooking.
- 4 cloves peeled garlic For a flavorful base.
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust based on spice preference.
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper To taste.
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds herbal flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil Enhances the overall taste.
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt To taste.
For the Pasta
- 1 package (12 ounce) penne pasta Can substitute with other pasta shapes.
- 1 cup baby spinach Adds color and nutrition.
For the Sauce
- 0.5 cup olive oil For roasting the vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Adds freshness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest For extra lemon flavor.
- 1 package (8 ounce) feta cheese Essential for the creamy texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large 13×9-inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, and olive oil.
- Add the peeled garlic cloves, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and sea salt. Mix gently until all vegetables are coated.
- Make a well in the center and place the block of feta cheese there, flipping it in the olive oil.
Baking
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until tomatoes blister and feta softens.
Cooking the Pasta
- While baking, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions to achieve al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
Final Mixing
- After baking, mash the roasted tomato and feta mixture using a fork.
- Add baby spinach and stir until wilted slightly.
- Incorporate the cooked penne pasta, tossing to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.
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