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Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, tangy sensation that transforms simple ingredients into an irresistible weeknight feast. Roasted cherry tomatoes burst into a luscious sauce, melding with dreamy, oven-softened feta and al dente pasta. Drizzled with olive oil and brightened by fresh herbs, this recipe is your new go-to for Easy Pasta Dinner or Fast Dinner Recipes when time is tight but flavors must shine.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta
- The oven does the heavy lifting—roast everything together for just 30 minutes.
- Cherry tomatoes pop under heat, creating a naturally sweet, savory sauce.
- Feta’s tangy creaminess clings to each noodle for ultimate comfort.
- Fresh basil and parsley add herbaceous brightness to every forkful.
- An effortless dish that feels gourmet—perfect as Dinner Recipes Husband Will Love.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category: | Main Dish |
| Cuisine: | Healthy |
| Prep Time: | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time: | 30 minutes |
| Total Time: | 40 minutes |
| Dietary: | Gluten-Free option |
| Serves: | 4 |
| Best Served: | Warm |
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes (2 pints) – burst with sweet, roasted flavor
- Block of feta cheese (8 oz) – tangy, creamy centerpiece
- Pasta (12 oz) – use penne or fusilli to catch sauce
- Olive oil (3 tbsp) – heart-healthy base for roasting
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – aromatic depth
- Red pepper flakes (½ tsp) – gentle heat boost
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped) – bright herbal note
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – fresh garnish
- Salt & black pepper – to taste
Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, mix cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens.
- While baking, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Remove the dish from the oven. Smash the tomatoes and feta together to create a creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and a bit of the reserved pasta water to the dish. Stir to combine and coat the noodles evenly.
- Fold in chopped basil and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm, drizzled with extra olive oil and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
How to Make the Baked Feta Pasta
This Easy Pasta comes together in just a few simple steps—roast, stir, and serve.
Step 1: Preheat and Arrange
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Roast Tomatoes & Feta
Nestle the feta block in the center of the tomatoes. Bake 25–30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Step 4: Smash & Stir
Remove dish from oven. Use a fork to smash tomatoes and feta into a creamy sauce. Stir in pasta and reserved water.
Step 5: Finish with Herbs
Fold in fresh basil and parsley, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Plate
Divide between bowls, drizzle with extra olive oil, and sprinkle red pepper flakes.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Enjoy straight from the oven for ultimate comfort.
Pro Tips for Making the Baked Feta Pasta
- Use high-quality feta for best melt and flavor.
- Don’t over-roast—tomatoes should just burst, not dry out.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.
- Stir in greens like spinach for added veggies.
- Pair with crusty bread for scooping every last drop.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
This Pasta Dinner Recipes favorite shines in many settings:
- With a side salad for a balanced Health Dinner.
- As part of a buffet at casual gatherings.
- In meal-prep containers for quick lunches.
- Paired with grilled chicken for added protein.
- Drizzled with pesto for extra herb flavor.
- Sprinkled with toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- With a glass of crisp white wine for date night.
- Alongside roasted veggies for a full spread.
- Top with olives or capers for briny contrast.
- Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
• Cool completely and refrigerate in airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet, adding splash of olive oil or pasta water.
• Stir in fresh herbs after reheating for brightness.
• Avoid microwave to preserve texture.
Freezing
• Not recommended—feta texture changes when frozen.
• Freeze extra sauce (without pasta) up to 1 month.
• Thaw sauce overnight and cook fresh pasta to combine.
Reheating
• Warm on low heat in a skillet, stirring until hot.
• Add reserved pasta water to loosen if thick.
• Cover to heat evenly.
• Finish with fresh herbs and olive oil.
FAQs
What are the health benefits of feta and tomatoes?
Feta provides calcium and protein, while tomatoes deliver lycopene and vitamins A and C, supporting bone health and antioxidant protection.
Can I substitute dairy-free cheese?
Yes—use a vegan feta alternative for a dairy-free twist without compromising creaminess.
How can I add flavor without extra calories?
Boost herbs like oregano, basil, or chili flakes instead of extra cheese or oil.
Can I meal prep Baked Feta Pasta?
Absolutely—prepare sauce ahead, refrigerate, and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready for a fast, flavorful meal.
Final Thoughts
Baked Feta Pasta proves that gourmet comfort can be effortless. With roasted tomatoes and tangy feta doing the heavy lifting, this Easy Pasta Dinner feels special yet comes together in under an hour. Whether you need a quick weeknight option, a crowd-pleasing Pasta Dinner Recipes choice, or simply crave creamy, wholesome flavors, this dish delivers every time. Embrace the simplicity and savor each spoonful of cheesy, saucy bliss.
