Baked Feta Pasta Recipe | Easy Greek-Style Tomato and Feta Cheese Pasta
Baked feta pasta is an easy and flavorful dish made by roasting a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Once baked, the ingredients are mashed into a creamy, tangy sauce and tossed with cooked pasta. You don't need heavy cream or complicated cooking techniques to enjoy this delicious Greek-inspired meal at home.
๐ Quick Recipe Summary
Servings: 2
Main ingredients: Feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, pasta, garlic, and olive oil
Oven temperature: 200ยฐC (400ยฐF)
Baking time: Approximately 25โ30 minutes
Best pasta choices: Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti
Key tip: Feta is naturally salty, so season carefully.
What Is Baked Feta Pasta?
Baked feta pasta is a popular pasta dish made by roasting feta cheese and cherry tomatoes together in one baking dish. The softened cheese combines with the juices released by the tomatoes and olive oil to create a rich, creamy-style sauce.
The recipe became internationally popular after Finnish food influencer Jenni Hรคyrinen introduced her version, known as Uunifetapasta. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation helped make it a favorite among home cooks around the world.
Feta is a traditional Greek-style brined cheese with a distinctive salty and tangy flavor. Unlike cheeses that melt completely into a smooth liquid, feta softens when heated and can be mashed into a thick, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients for Two Servings
150โ200 g feta cheese
250โ300 g cherry tomatoes
160โ200 g dried pasta
2โ3 garlic cloves
2โ3 tablespoons olive oil
Black pepper, to taste
Dried oregano or basil, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, optional
Salt, for the pasta water
A block of feta works particularly well because it can be placed directly in the center of the baking dish. Cherry tomatoes are also a great choice because they release their natural juices as they roast.
How to Make Greek-Style Baked Feta Pasta
โ Preheat your oven to 200ยฐC (400ยฐF). Place the cherry tomatoes and sliced garlic in an oven-safe baking dish. Add olive oil, black pepper, and dried oregano, then toss everything together.
โก Place the feta block in the middle of the tomatoes. Drizzle a little olive oil over the cheese. Bake for approximately 25โ30 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and burst and the feta has become tender. Adjust the cooking time depending on your oven and the size of the cheese block.
โข While the ingredients are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. For a slightly firmer texture, drain it just before it reaches your preferred doneness. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining.
โฃ Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the roasted tomatoes and softened feta together. Mix until the tomato juices, olive oil, and cheese form a thick, creamy-style sauce.
โค Add the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, one spoonful at a time. Finish with black pepper and fresh basil leaves.
Your homemade baked feta pasta is ready to serve!
Tips for Making the Best Baked Feta Pasta
๐ง Be careful with salt. Feta cheese is already quite salty, and different brands can have different salt levels. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt. You may not need any at all.
๐ Roast the tomatoes until they burst. This helps release their natural juices and sweetness, which become an important part of the pasta sauce. Don't rush this step.
๐ Use pasta water to improve the sauce. The starch in pasta water helps the sauce coat the noodles more evenly. Add it gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.
Easy Ingredient Variations to Try
Baked feta pasta is easy to customize with additional ingredients. Add shrimp for a light seafood flavor, or mix in mushrooms and spinach for extra vegetables and texture.
If you enjoy spicy food, a pinch of red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chili can add a pleasant kick. However, try the original tomato and feta combination first so you can appreciate its natural flavors.
Enjoy a Simple Mediterranean-Inspired Pasta at Home
Baked feta pasta is a great example of how a few everyday ingredients can create a satisfying meal. The roasted tomatoes bring sweetness and acidity, while feta adds a distinctive salty flavor and creamy texture.
If you're looking for an easy alternative to traditional cream-based pasta, give this recipe a try. Roast the feta and cherry tomatoes, toss them with freshly cooked pasta, and finish with fresh basil for a delicious Greek-inspired dinner.