Baked Feta Pasta
A delicious and easy one-pan dish that combines creamy feta cheese with roasted tomatoes and flavorful spices, perfect for any weeknight dinner.
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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Notes
Serve garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and color. Enjoy with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.