Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a simple, flavorful one-pan dish combining creamy, tangy baked feta cheese with roasted cherry tomatoes and al dente pasta. This easy recipe delivers a vibrant, comforting meal in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Customizable to your taste, it blends pantry staples and fresh ingredients into a luscious sauce brightened by fresh basil.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 block of feta cheese (about 200g)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, whole
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 8 oz (225g) pasta of your choice (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli recommended)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Optional Variations
- Sautéed mushrooms or spinach (for vegetarian upgrade)
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu (for protein boost)
- Smoked paprika or fresh chili (alternative spices)
- Goat cheese or ricotta (cheese alternatives)
- Gluten-free pasta (for gluten-free version)
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle generously with olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Bake the base ingredients: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is golden and creamy, creating a luscious sauce.
- Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine and stir: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Mash the baked feta, tomatoes, and garlic together with a fork or spoon to form a creamy, chunky sauce. Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss with some reserved pasta water to coat evenly.
- Finish and garnish: Stir in fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use a quality block of feta cheese for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Do not skip the olive oil—it helps caramelize the tomatoes and feta for a richer sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
- Roast until tomatoes burst to release natural sweetness that complements the feta.
- Add fresh herbs like basil just before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: baked feta pasta, feta pasta, roasted tomato pasta, easy pasta recipe, one-pan pasta, Greek pasta, quick dinner, cheesy pasta