Baked Feta Pasta

This baked feta pasta is creamy, slightly tangy, and very simple to prepare. Roasted tomatoes and feta melt together into a rich, flavorful sauce that works perfectly for an easy weeknight dinner.

No ratings yet

Print Pin

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Calories: 540kcal

Author: Liora

Ingredients

450 g 16 oz cherry tomatoes
225 g 8 oz block feta cheese (packed in water)
80 ml ⅓ cup olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 garlic clove finely minced
¼ cup fresh basil chopped
½ tsp lemon zest
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
225 g 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta you like)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish. Set the block of feta in the center. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Mix the tomatoes lightly so they are well coated.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft, bursting, and slightly caramelized, and the feta is warm and lightly golden on top.
While the dish is baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and set it aside.
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add minced garlic, fresh basil, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper if using. Stir everything together until the feta and tomatoes turn into a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and mix well until everything is fully coated in the sauce.
Serve warm in bowls. Top with extra basil, black pepper, and a little parmesan if you like a richer finish.

Notes

Feta choice matters: A full block of feta works best because it melts into a smooth and creamy sauce. Crumbled feta does not melt the same way and can make the texture grainy. Full-fat feta also gives a richer result.
Best pasta shapes: Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini holds the sauce better. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta also works if you prefer a higher-fiber option.
Flavor balance: Lemon zest and fresh basil are important for keeping the dish fresh and not too heavy, so it is best not to skip them.
Add protein if needed: This dish can easily become more filling with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon mixed in.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm slowly on the stove or in the microwave. Add a small splash of water or milk to bring back the creamy texture.

Please note that the nutritional values are provided by an online calculator and should be considered as an estimate.

Nutrition