Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish combines rich feta cheese and sweet, roasted tomatoes, creating a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The easy-to-make sauce is made by simply baking the ingredients together, which brings out deep, savory flavors. It’s a no-fuss recipe that only requires a few ingredients, making it ideal for anyone looking for a delicious meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be made with various pasta shapes and garnishes, so you can adapt it to your preferences.
Ingredients
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2 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
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1 (8 oz) brick of Feta cheese
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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5 tablespoons olive oil
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1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
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12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Add the grape tomatoes to a medium-sized baking dish.
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Place the Feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
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Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and Feta cheese.
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Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt over the cheese and tomatoes.
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Drizzle 2 more tablespoons of olive oil over the Feta.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the Feta cheese softens.
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Remove from the oven. Stir the tomatoes and cheese together until well combined. Add the chopped fresh basil.
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Mix in the cooked pasta until everything is well incorporated. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
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Add Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even sausage to make this a heartier meal.
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Vegan Version: Use vegan feta cheese to make this recipe dairy-free while still enjoying the rich, creamy texture.
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Spicy Option: For a kick, add red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before baking.
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Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for an extra boost of veggies.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra olive oil to keep it creamy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
You can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta, but feta gives the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes, you can use other small tomatoes like cherry tomatoes, but grape tomatoes work best because they hold their shape during baking.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the dish up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta shape will work, but pasta like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti pairs well with the creamy sauce.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is preferred for its vibrant flavor, dried basil can be used in a pinch. Just reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon.
How do I know when the tomatoes are done?
The tomatoes are done when they have burst open, and the feta cheese has softened and is beginning to melt into the tomatoes.
Can I add more garlic?
Yes, feel free to add minced garlic to the tomatoes and feta before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top of the tomatoes before baking or stir them into the pasta once it’s cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, just substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety.
Can I freeze this recipe?
It’s not recommended to freeze this recipe because the texture of the feta cheese and tomatoes may change after freezing and reheating.
Conclusion
Baked Feta Pasta is a deliciously simple dish that combines the rich flavors of feta and roasted tomatoes to create a creamy, comforting pasta. With its easy preparation and minimal ingredients, it’s a perfect meal for both busy weeknights and casual dinners with friends or family. Try this crowd-pleasing recipe today and enjoy a meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and savory pasta dish with roasted grape tomatoes and feta cheese. This easy-to-make Baked Feta Pasta is a must-try, combining fresh ingredients and a burst of flavors!
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 1 (8 oz) brick of Feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Add the grape tomatoes to a medium-sized baking dish.
- Place the Feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and Feta cheese.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt over the cheese and tomatoes.
- Drizzle 2 more tablespoons of olive oil over the Feta.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the Feta cheese softens.
- Remove from the oven. Stir the tomatoes and cheese together until well combined. Add the chopped fresh basil.
- Mix in the cooked pasta until everything is well incorporated. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta for this dish, but bow tie (farfalle) works well due to its shape and texture.
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of heavy cream or a spoonful of ricotta cheese when mixing the pasta.
- If you want a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
