Easy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe | Creamy Oven-Baked Tomato and Feta Cheese Pasta
π Baked Feta Pasta is an easy oven-baked pasta dish made with cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, and your favorite pasta. Simply roast the tomatoes and feta together, mix them into a creamy sauce, and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
The best part? You don't need to make a separate sauce or use complicated cooking techniques. The roasted tomatoes release their natural juices, while the softened feta adds a rich, salty flavor. Here's how to make this simple and delicious baked feta pasta at home.
π Baked Feta Pasta at a Glance
Preparation and cooking time: Approximately 40β50 minutes
Servings: 2
Main ingredients: Cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, pasta, garlic, and olive oil
Oven temperature: 200Β°C (400Β°F)
Cooking method: Roast, mash, and toss
Flavor: Sweet and tangy tomatoes with creamy, salty feta
π Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta (2 Servings)
Prepare the following ingredients:
180β200g pasta
150β200g feta cheese
400β500g cherry tomatoes
3β4 garlic cloves
3 tablespoons olive oil
Black pepper, to taste
Salt, as needed
Fresh basil leaves
A little reserved pasta water
Feta cheese is a Greek-style cheese traditionally made from sheep's milk or a mixture of sheep's and goat's milk. Its distinctive salty and tangy flavor is what gives this pasta its character.
Because feta can be quite salty, it's best to add salt sparingly and adjust the seasoning at the end.
π₯ Step 1. Roast the Tomatoes and Feta Cheese
Preheat your oven to 200Β°C (400Β°F).
Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish. Add olive oil, minced garlic, and black pepper, then toss everything until the tomatoes are evenly coated.
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the cheese.
Bake for approximately 25β30 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices and the feta becomes soft. Cooking times may vary depending on your oven and baking dish.
π Step 2. Make the Creamy Tomato and Feta Sauce
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the roasted tomatoes and softened feta together.
As the ingredients combine, the tomato juices, olive oil, and feta create a creamy, flavorful sauce without the need for heavy cream.
Add a few fresh basil leaves for extra aroma and freshness.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
π Step 3. Cook the Pasta and Combine Everything
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
Before draining the pasta, reserve a small cup of the cooking water. This starchy water helps the sauce coat the pasta more smoothly.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish and toss until every piece is covered with the tomato and feta sauce.
If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Finish with freshly ground black pepper and fresh basil. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
π‘ Tips for Making the Best Baked Feta Pasta
Choose ripe cherry tomatoes: They release plenty of natural juices and develop a sweeter flavor when roasted.
Use real feta cheese: Feta provides the distinctive salty and tangy taste of this recipe. Cream cheese will produce a noticeably different result.
Don't skip the pasta water: Its starch helps bring the sauce and pasta together.
Add a little heat: Red pepper flakes or chili flakes give the dish a pleasant spicy kick.
Experiment with herbs: Fresh basil is a classic choice, but dried oregano or dried basil also works well.
π₯ Which Pasta Shape Works Best?
You can use almost any pasta shape for this recipe.
Spaghetti is a great choice because the sauce coats the strands nicely. Penne and fusilli are also excellent options because their shapes help hold the creamy tomato and feta sauce.
If you prefer a heartier texture, try short pasta. For a more traditional pasta presentation, spaghetti works beautifully.
π½οΈ Enjoy Homemade Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a wonderful choice when you want a satisfying homemade meal without spending too much time preparing a complicated sauce.
With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes, the tangy richness of feta, and the comforting texture of pasta.
For the best results, make sure the tomatoes are soft and bursting with juices before mixing everything together. That's the secret to a flavorful, creamy baked feta pasta!