Baked Feta Pasta
A creamy and flavorful dish combining roasted tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese (about 8 ounces) Use high-quality feta for a creamier texture.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes for extra sweetness)
- 4 cloves garlic (smashed and peeled) For a stronger garlic flavor, roast longer.
- 1/2 cup olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil.
- 1 teaspoon salt Or to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, for additional heat.
- 12 ounces pasta Choose between penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free.
- Fresh basil For garnishing; can substitute with parsley or arugula.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes and smashed garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Create a little nest for the feta by placing it in the middle of the dish surrounded by the tomatoes. Drizzle additional olive oil over the feta.
Cooking
- Pop the dish in the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and soft.
- While your feta mixture is baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven and gently smash the feta and tomatoes together with a fork to create a sauce.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish with fresh basil on top before serving.
Notes
For a healthy variation, swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or whole wheat. This dish can also be enjoyed with a salad or garlic bread.