Baked Feta Pasta is your answer to an effortless weeknight dinner. Roasting feta cheese alongside cherry tomatoes creates a creamy, tangy sauce that’s both comforting and gourmet. Minimal prep, maximum flavor—your new favorite pasta dish is just a bake away.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—just assemble and bake.
- Minimal ingredients with maximum flavor impact.
- Perfectly adaptable to your favorite pasta shape.
- No complicated techniques, ideal for any home cook.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or pasta of choice): Chewy and robust enough to carry the sauce. Use whatever pasta you have on hand.
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes: Adds sweetness and texture. Bursting juice forms the base of the sauce.
- 8 ounce block feta cheese: The creamy star of the dish. Ricotta or goat cheese can substitute for a different flavor profile.
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil: Creates a rich, smooth sauce. Essential for roasting.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust according to taste, especially if your feta is very salty.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): For aromatic piquancy. Fresh garlic elevates the overall taste.
- ¼ cup fresh basil (packed and chopped, plus more for serving): Provides freshness and herby notes. Swap with parsley if needed.
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange the cherry tomatoes in an even layer in an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper evenly. Toss the tomatoes well to ensure every piece is coated in the oil and seasoning. This helps them cook evenly and prevents any from burning.
Step 2: Add the Feta
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of your baking dish, nestling it among the seasoned cherry tomatoes. Turn the block over a couple of times to coat it with oil and seasonings. This step helps the feta warm through uniformly, ensuring a smooth melt into the sauce.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Transfer the dish to your preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, watching as the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juices. The goal is to have a sweet, jammy consistency. The feta should appear slightly golden on top and soft enough to be easily stirred into the tomatoes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook your chosen pasta in a pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package directions until it’s al dente—firm yet tender. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be added later to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Immediately add the minced garlic and chopped basil to the hot mixture of feta and tomatoes. Stir gently to combine, mashing the feta into a creamy sauce with the juices of the tomatoes. Add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to coat the pasta thoroughly. If needed, a splash of reserved pasta water will help create a luscious finish. Top with extra fresh basil and serve warm for best flavor.
Recipe FAQs
What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce seems too thick after mixing, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. This water contains starch that helps bind the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is nicely coated.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, try using ricotta or goat cheese for a variation, though the flavor and texture will change slightly. These cheeses are softer and will melt more into the sauce, providing different but delightful results.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to help revive the sauce’s creaminess.
