Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (340g) penne, rigatoni, rotini, or bow-tie pasta
- Water for boiling
- 1 tablespoon salt
For the Baked Feta Sauce
- 1 block (8 ounces / 225g) feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For Finishing
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Extra basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Choose a medium-sized baking dish that is large enough to hold the tomatoes and feta comfortably while allowing room for stirring after baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Add the cherry tomatoes to the baking dish and spread them evenly.
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the feta and tomatoes.
Sprinkle the minced garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper over the entire dish.
Gently toss the tomatoes in the oil and seasonings while keeping the feta block intact in the center.
The tomatoes should be well coated with the olive oil mixture to ensure they roast properly and develop rich flavor.
Step 3: Bake the Feta and Tomatoes
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until:
- The tomatoes have burst and released their juices.
- The feta is soft and creamy.
- The edges of the feta begin to turn lightly golden.
- The garlic becomes fragrant.
For additional color and caramelization, switch the oven to broil for the final 2–3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the feta mixture is baking, bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Add the salt and pasta.
Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
Drain the pasta and set aside.
The reserved pasta water is important because it helps create a silky, restaurant-style sauce.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Remove the baking dish from the oven.
Using a large spoon or fork, mash the softened feta into the roasted tomatoes.
Mix thoroughly until the tomatoes break down and combine with the feta.
The mixture should transform into a creamy pink sauce.
Stir continuously until smooth and well combined.
If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish.
Gently toss until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy feta sauce.
Add chopped fresh basil and stir again.
If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pasta if desired.
Garnish with additional basil leaves and freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Feta Pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli
- Grilled asparagus
- Bruschetta
- Grilled chicken breast
- Garlic shrimp
- Mediterranean cucumber salad
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of water, milk, or broth to restore the creamy texture.
Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
Tips for the Best Baked Feta Pasta
- Always use a block of feta cheese rather than crumbled feta.
- Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness.
- Reserve pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Fresh basil adds a bright, fresh finish.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente pasta holds the sauce better.
- Add spinach during the final mixing step for extra nutrition.
- Broil briefly at the end for deeper roasted flavor.
Variations
Spinach Baked Feta Pasta
Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach after mixing the sauce. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly.
Chicken Baked Feta Pasta
Add sliced grilled chicken for a protein-packed meal.
Shrimp Baked Feta Pasta
Top with garlic butter shrimp for a delicious seafood version.
Roasted Vegetable Feta Pasta
Add zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions to the baking dish before roasting.
Spicy Baked Feta Pasta
Increase the crushed red pepper flakes and add sliced fresh chili peppers.
Mediterranean Baked Feta Pasta
Mix in olives, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Nutrition Highlights
Feta cheese provides protein and calcium, while tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants such as lycopene. Olive oil contributes heart-healthy fats, and fresh basil adds vitamins and aromatic flavor. Together, these ingredients create a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and packed with wholesome Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.
Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with sweet roasted tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, this Baked Feta Pasta is an easy one-pan dinner that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal the whole family will love.
