![To make Baked Feta Pasta, gather these key items: - 200g (7 oz) pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli recommended) - 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese - 250g (9 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced The pasta plays a big role in the dish's texture. I often choose penne or fusilli for their ability to hold the creamy sauce well. Feta cheese brings a salty, tangy flavor that blends beautifully with the baked tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and freshness, while garlic adds depth. Don't forget these flavorful touches: - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Red pepper flakes give a gentle kick. The olive oil helps everything bake together nicely. Dried oregano adds an aromatic note. Fresh basil and Parmesan on top make it all look and taste even better. - Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for accurate amounts. - Halve the cherry tomatoes for even cooking. - Mince the garlic finely to blend well with other flavors. Proper measurements ensure balance in taste. Preparing the tomatoes and cheese correctly helps them soften and meld during baking. This makes the sauce rich and smooth. When you mix everything, you’ll create a dish that feels homemade and gourmet. For the complete recipe, check [Full Recipe]. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This temperature helps the feta and tomatoes bake evenly. Grab a large baking dish and set it aside. This dish will hold all your tasty ingredients. In the baking dish, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil together. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well so everything is coated. Next, place the block of feta cheese in the center of this mixture. Drizzle a bit of extra olive oil over the feta and sprinkle dried oregano on top. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This water helps create a smooth sauce later. Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the soft feta and mix it with the tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, mixing everything well. If the pasta seems dry, add some reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve right away, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if you like. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. To get the best sauce texture, start with a good feta cheese. Use a high-quality block of feta instead of crumbled. This allows the feta to melt evenly, creating a rich sauce. As the feta bakes, it becomes soft and creamy. When you mash it with the tomatoes, it blends well. Adjusting spice levels is easy. If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a milder sauce, use less. Taste the sauce before mixing it with pasta. This way, you can find the right balance for your taste buds. Timing is key for fresh pasta. Cook the pasta just as the feta and tomatoes are baking. This keeps the pasta hot when you mix it in. Follow the timing on the pasta package. You want it al dente, so it holds up well in the sauce. Always reserve some pasta water before draining. This water helps create a smooth sauce. If the dish seems dry after mixing, add a splash of the reserved water. This also helps bring all the flavors together. Great sides can elevate your meal. A simple green salad pairs well with baked feta pasta. The fresh greens balance the creamy sauce. Garlic bread is another tasty option. It adds crunch and is perfect for scooping up extra sauce. You can also add toppings for more flavor. Fresh basil adds a nice touch, both in taste and color. Grated Parmesan cheese is a classic choice. It adds a salty kick that complements the dish. Enjoy this delightful meal with friends and family! {{image_2}} You can swap feta with other cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Cream cheese works well too, making it super creamy. For vegetables, bell peppers or zucchini can add color and crunch. If you want a low-carb option, use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta. This keeps the dish light but still tasty. To boost the flavor, add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They pair well with the creamy feta. You might want to sprinkle some lemon zest for brightness. For added protein, toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This makes the dish more filling and nutritious. Use seasonal veggies for a fresher taste. In spring, add asparagus or peas. In fall, roasted butternut squash adds sweetness. Adjust your ingredients based on what’s fresh and available. This keeps the dish exciting and unique each time you make it. To store leftovers safely, place your baked feta pasta in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools down before sealing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date, so you know when to eat it. The best way to reheat baked feta pasta is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the sauce creamy and the pasta from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but use a lower power setting. Stir the pasta halfway through to heat it evenly. Yes, you can freeze baked feta pasta. To freeze it, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. Seal tightly and store in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can reheat it directly from frozen too. Just add a little extra sauce or pasta water while reheating to keep it moist. Enjoy your baked feta pasta anytime! For the full recipe, refer back to the beginning of this article. Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy dish made with pasta, feta cheese, and tomatoes. This dish became popular on social media, and for good reason. It’s easy to make and tastes amazing. You start by baking feta with cherry tomatoes and garlic, which creates a rich sauce. You then mix this with pasta. The result is a warm, cheesy delight that everyone loves. Yes, you can! To make Baked Feta Pasta vegan, simply swap the feta cheese for a plant-based option. Look for a vegan feta made from nuts or tofu. Use the same amount as the original cheese. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps the dish creamy while staying plant-based. To make the dish spicy, add more red pepper flakes. If you like it mild, reduce the amount. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a different heat. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance that suits your palate. Baked Feta Pasta pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread. A simple green salad with olive oil and lemon works great. For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling water complements the flavors. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables for a colorful plate. For those eager to try this dish, find the Full Recipe above! Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet tasty dish that combines pasta, feta, and fresh veggies. We explored key ingredients, from pasta shapes to seasoning. I shared tips on preparing and cooking, plus ways to perfect your sauce. You can also customize this recipe with different flavors and ingredients based on your preferences. With these insights, you now have all you need to create a delicious meal. Enjoy your cooking, and embrace the flavors of Baked Feta Pasta!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/45f7e4d7-3cf9-48fa-8309-626f97138df2.webp)
Ingredients
Method
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, ensuring everything is well mixed.
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with dried oregano.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and soft.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Once the feta is done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes until well combined, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, mixing everything together. If the pasta looks too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4