Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta
Creamy, tangy, and bursting with roasted tomato flavor, this Baked Feta Pasta is the ultimate easy one-pan meal! 🍅🧀
Made famous by the viral TikTok recipe, this dish requires minimal prep—just toss cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil in a baking dish, roast until caramelized, then mix with pasta for a rich and flavorful meal. It’s quick, effortless, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something delicious with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (to thicken sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Feta & Tomatoes
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Toss to coat.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center and drizzle with extra olive oil.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until tomatoes are bursting and feta is soft and golden.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Mash & Mix the Sauce
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the roasted feta and tomatoes with a fork to create a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing until fully coated.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
- Stir in fresh basil and lemon zest for added freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, tangy baked feta pasta!
Why This Recipe Works So Well
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor – Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
- Feta cheese melts into a rich, tangy sauce – No heavy cream needed!
- One-pan + stovetop pasta = fewer dishes!
- Endless customization – Add spinach, olives, chicken, or shrimp for variety.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use high-quality feta cheese – Blocks of feta melt better than crumbled feta.
- Don’t skip the pasta water! It helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Want a protein boost? Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Make it gluten-free by using chickpea or lentil pasta.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
Serving Suggestions
- With a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
- Topped with crispy bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
- Paired with a crisp side salad for a fresh contrast.
- With a glass of white wine to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
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