If you have not yet slipped into the deliciously viral world of the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe, you’re in for a treat that tastes like a dreamy, creamy tomato paradise. This dish transforms the simple combination of cherry tomatoes and feta cheese into a luxuriously rich sauce baked to perfection. Its stunningly beautiful presentation and comforting flavors have made it one of the most talked-about pasta dishes in recent times, blending tangy, savory, and fresh notes all in one heavenly bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to pasta sensation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe couldn’t be simpler, with each ingredient playing a star role in flavor, texture, and color. The freshness of cherry tomatoes brings a natural sweetness and vibrant hue, while a block of creamy feta adds that irresistible, tangy creaminess. Olive oil ties everything together with its richness, and the aromatic garlic and fresh basil provide depth and brightness that elevate this dish to something extraordinary.
- Feta block: A whole block packs creamy, salty richness that melts beautifully when baked.
- Cherry tomatoes: Two pints offer juicy bursts of sweetness and juiciness that soften into a luscious sauce.
- Olive oil: Three tablespoons add smoothness and help everything roast evenly with a glossy finish.
- Pasta: Eight ounces of your favorite variety provide the perfect base to soak up the sauce.
- Garlic: Four cloves minced for aromatic kick that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Fresh basil: One bunch for a fresh, herbal note to brighten up every forkful.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F to get it nice and hot—this heat is essential for roasting the tomatoes perfectly. Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly in a baking dish, ensuring they have plenty of room to burst and caramelize as they roast.
Step 2: Add the Feta and Olive Oil
Place the entire block of feta cheese smack dab in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle three tablespoons of olive oil all over, not just on the cheese, but coating the tomatoes as well for that irresistible gloss and flavor boost.
Step 3: Season and Bake
Sprinkle the minced garlic and a pinch of salt over the feta and tomatoes. The garlic infuses the dish with lovely savory notes while salt enhances all the natural flavors. Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst open and the feta is soft and slightly browned.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your cheese and tomatoes are working their magic, boil your pasta until al dente so it retains a slight bite—this texture contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Once everything is out of the oven, mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together with a fork or spoon. The heat will make mixing easy, turning this roasted combo into a luscious, creamy sauce. Toss your cooked pasta into the dish and stir until every strand is beautifully coated in the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with fresh basil leaves scattered on top to add a pop of green color and a refreshing aroma that complements the baked flavors perfectly. For a little extra sass, sprinkle red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh basil garnishing this dish is a classic choice—it adds a fragrant and slightly sweet touch that cuts through the richness. If you want to get creative, consider adding toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a hint of nuttiness and tang.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines brilliantly on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads to balance out the creamy richness. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted vegetables creates a hearty, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe family-style straight from the baking dish for a rustic feel, or plate it up elegantly with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and extra basil leaves. For a fun twist, turn it into a stuffed pepper filling or use the sauce as a warm dip for crusty bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though hard to resist finishing it all), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen with time, making the pasta even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked feta and tomato sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that the basil is best added fresh after thawing for optimal flavor.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat until bubbly, then stir in freshly cooked or leftover pasta. Avoid microwaving directly to preserve the creamy texture. Fresh basil added after reheating revives the dish’s aromatic charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is popular, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, like fusilli or rigatoni, works beautifully with the creamy baked feta and tomato sauce.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil is not available, try adding a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs or fresh parsley as an alternative. The dish will still be flavorful, though fresh basil truly enhances its vibrancy.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is vegetarian-friendly and does not contain any meat. It’s a perfect option for a hearty vegetarian dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, and use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor. Roasting the tomatoes and garlic remains the same for that rich, comforting base.
How spicy can I make the dish?
The spice level is totally up to you! Adding red pepper flakes during or after serving gives a nice kick, but you can always adjust to your personal taste preferences or omit them entirely for a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
Making the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe at home is like unlocking a cheat code to comfort food happiness. It’s a simple, stunning dish that transforms everyday ingredients into something special and insanely delicious. I promise once you try this, it’ll become a permanent favorite at your table, capturing hearts and taste buds every time.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
Baked Feta Pasta is a viral, creamy, and flavorful tomato and feta cheese dish baked to perfection and tossed with pasta. This simple yet indulgent recipe features roasted cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese drizzled with olive oil and garlic, resulting in a luscious sauce that coats al dente pasta, finished with fresh basil for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block of feta cheese (approx. 7 oz)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the tomatoes and feta.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly in a baking dish. Place the whole block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Add Flavor: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and feta. Sprinkle the minced garlic and salt over the top to season the dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and creamy.
- Cook Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mash and Combine: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a spoon or fork, mash the roasted tomatoes and feta together to create a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish with the roasted tomato and feta sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the pasta. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Use good quality feta for the best taste and creaminess.
- Cherry tomatoes work best because they roast quickly and become very sweet.
- Optionally add red pepper flakes when mixing for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the sauce well.
