Feta Pasta bake

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Feta pasta has become incredibly popular, showing up everywhere from social media to home kitchens. It’s more than just a quick dinner—it’s a creamy, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and seriously delicious. With bright colors, a rich aroma, and simple ingredients, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite.

Why We Love This Feta Pasta Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore this feta pasta dish. Firstly, it showcases the beautiful marriage of pasta, fresh tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese. The tomatoes burst as they bake, releasing their juices that mix beautifully with the feta, creating a delectable sauce that coats the pasta.

Moreover, this dish is remarkably versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level or introduce other vegetables based on your preference. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that saves you the trouble of washing multiple dishes, which is always a bonus.

Another great aspect of feta pasta is how quick it is to prepare. From start to finish, you can have this yummy dish ready in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even last-minute gatherings. And with just a handful of ingredients, it won’t break the bank either. If you’re looking for a simple, tasty, and impressive dish, feta pasta is the way to go!

Ingredients 

To whip up this delightful feta pasta, gather the following ingredients:

  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes (20 ounces, or about 4 cups)
  • 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for the pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
  • 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 small lemon
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 12 ounces dried short pasta (such as cavatappi or fusilli)

These ingredients are all about freshness, flavor, and accessibility, making your cooking experience enjoyable.

How to Make Feta Pasta Directions

Now, let’s dive into the straightforward steps to prepare feta pasta.

  1. Prepare Your Oven: First, preheat your oven to 425°F. This temperature will ensure the feta cheese becomes beautifully golden and the tomatoes cook to perfection.

  2. Garlic and Tomatoes: Smash and peel 4 cloves of garlic. Place them together with the 2 pints of cherry or grape tomatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish. The combination of these ingredients is what gives the dish its depth of flavor.

  3. Season It Up: Drizzle 1/3 cup of olive oil over your garlic and tomatoes. Now, season them with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Give the dish a gentle shake to coat these tasty ingredients evenly.

  4. Feta in the Center: Take your 8-ounce block of feta cheese and place it right in the center of the dish. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the feta, followed by 1 teaspoon of honey. The honey will add a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the salty feta and fresh tomatoes.

  5. Bake it: Pop the dish in the oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta turns golden-brown, and the tomatoes burst open.

  6. Cook the Pasta: While your feta is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of dried short pasta (such as cavatappi or fusilli) and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente stage. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

  7. Finalize the Dish: Once the feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, it’s time to assemble the dish. Grate the zest from your small lemon. Add the cooked pasta and lemon zest to the baking dish. Toss everything together, breaking apart the feta and mashing the garlic to create a creamy, dreamy sauce.

  8. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce appears too thick, slowly add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

  9. Serve It Up: Finally, sprinkle with 1/4 cup of packed fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. You can add more red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat.

How to Serve Feta Pasta

Serving feta pasta is as delightful as making it. This vibrant dish can be presented in numerous ways. For an elegant touch, mix the pasta directly in the baking dish for a rustic feel. Alternatively, you can plate individual servings and garnish them with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil for added flair.

Consider pairing your feta pasta with a crisp salad to balance its rich flavors. A side of garlic bread can also enhance the experience, letting you soak up every last bite of that melt-in-your-mouth sauce. This dish is great for both casual weeknight dinners and more formal gatherings. As you serve up this incredible meal, your guests will be wowed by the deliciousness, leaving them asking for seconds!

Expert Tips: Feta Pasta

While this feta pasta recipe is simple and straightforward, here are a few expert tips to elevate your cooking game:

  1. Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality feta cheese and extra virgin olive oil. The flavor of the dish largely depends on the quality of these ingredients.

  2. Veggie Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini during the baking step for added nutrition and flavor. Simply toss them in with the tomatoes.

  3. Season to Taste: If you prefer a milder expression of heat, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your tolerance. Taste the dish before serving to ensure the seasoning is just right.

  4. Don’t Skip the Lemon: The lemon zest adds a refreshing brightness to the dish. Make sure to incorporate it for that extra zing!

  5. Leftovers: This dish is fantastic as leftovers the next day. It can easily be reheated in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water.

How to Store Feta Pasta

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be hard to believe because it’s so delicious), storing them correctly is essential for maintaining freshness. Allow the feta pasta to come to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, you can either use the microwave or a stovetop. If the sauce has thickened during storage, add a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen it up. Stir well over low heat until warm.

Variation of Feta Pasta

Feta pasta is incredibly versatile, allowing you to get creative in the kitchen. Here are a few variations you might like to try:

  1. Pesto Feta Pasta: For a twist, incorporate basil pesto instead of fresh basil. Mix it in right before serving for a fragrant finish.

  2. Add Protein: You can introduce cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to make this dish heartier and protein-rich. Just toss them in with the pasta.

  3. Vegetarian Options: If you’re a vegetarian, you can load it with additional veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or asparagus, giving it a colorful and nutritious boost.

  4. Swap Cheese: While feta is the star of this recipe, you could experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for different flavors and textures.

  5. Herbal Variations: Don’t hesitate to switch up the herbs based on your taste. Try using fresh parsley or even thyme for a different flavor profile.

FAQ about Feta Pasta

What is Feta Pasta?

Feta pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that involves baking feta cheese with tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings before mixing it with cooked pasta. It’s easy to make and bursting with flavor!

How long does it take to make Feta Pasta?

From start to finish, you can whip up feta pasta in about 40 to 50 minutes. This includes prepping, baking, and cooking the pasta.

Can I make Feta Pasta in advance?

Yes! You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Just assemble everything before baking, and it will save you time on cooking day.

What type of pasta works best for Feta Pasta?

Short pasta shapes, such as cavatappi or fusilli, work well for this recipe. Their grooves and curls allow for more sauce to cling to the pasta, making every bite delicious.

Can I serve Feta Pasta cold?

While it’s best served warm, leftover feta pasta can be enjoyed cold for a refreshing take, especially during hot months.

Feta Pasta

Feta Pasta Bake

This baked feta pasta is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Roasted tomatoes and garlic mix with feta to create a rich sauce that coats every bite of pasta. A viral favorite for a reason!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Main
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
Servings 4 servings
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 9×13-inch Baking Dish
  • Large Pot

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cloves garlic smashed and peeled
  • 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes (about 4 cups or 20 ounces)
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil reserved for drizzling
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes plus more for serving
  • 8 ounces feta cheese block, not crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 small lemon zested
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves packed, torn if large
  • 12 ounces dried short pasta such as cavatappi or fusilli

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Place garlic and tomatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Drizzle with 1/3 cup olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat.
  • Place block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Drizzle remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top and add honey over the feta.
  • Bake for 35–40 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and softened.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
  • Remove baking dish from oven. Add cooked pasta and lemon zest. Stir to combine, mashing garlic and feta to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Top with fresh basil leaves and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use high-quality feta and olive oil for the best flavor. Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for variety. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or oil.
Keyword Easy Pasta, Feta Pasta, Viral Recipe