This baked feta pasta recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s good for weeknight dinners or meal prep. That includes a block of feta cheese baked with juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and contemporary basil, this recipe creates a wealthy, tangy sauce that coats your favourite pasta for a comforting, satisfying meal. Prepared in beneath an hour, it’s a success with pasta lovers and excellent for these searching for a easy, scrumptious meal. You’ll be able to customise this dish along with your favourite pasta shapes, add grilled rooster for further protein, or make it vegan with plant-based feta.
Substances
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or pasta of your alternative)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8-ounce block feta cheese
- ½ cup further virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup contemporary basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In an oven-safe baking dish, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Toss till the tomatoes are evenly coated.
- Place the block of feta cheese within the heart of the dish, surrounding it with the seasoned tomatoes. Flip the feta a few instances to make sure it’s coated with the olive oil and seasonings.
- Bake within the oven for 35 minutes, or till the tomatoes burst and the feta turns into smooth and creamy.
- Whereas the tomatoes and feta are baking, prepare dinner the pasta in a big pot of salted water in response to the bundle instructions, till al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain the pasta.
- As soon as the tomatoes and feta are prepared, take away the dish from the oven and instantly add the minced garlic and contemporary basil. Toss every part collectively to mix.
- Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss all of it collectively. If wanted, add among the reserved pasta water to assist mix the components.
- Garnish with further basil and serve heat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Comforting: The creamy, melted feta mixed with burst cherry tomatoes creates a deliciously wealthy sauce that coats the pasta completely.
- Simple to Make: With just a few easy components, this dish comes collectively shortly and requires minimal prep.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The mix of feta and tomatoes is all the time a success with household and friends.
- Versatile: You’ll be able to modify the seasonings and components to fit your preferences.
Suggestions
- Ensure that to toss the feta and tomatoes midway via the baking time to make sure even melting and taste distribution.
- For those who want a tangier taste, add a squeeze of lemon juice earlier than serving.
- Don’t skip reserving among the pasta water; it helps create a clean, cohesive sauce.
- You’ll be able to substitute different pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti if most well-liked.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add Protein: For further protein, prime with grilled rooster, shrimp, or roasted chickpeas.
- Vegan Model: Use a plant-based feta cheese substitute for a dairy-free choice.
- Spicy Twist: Add purple pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for a bit of warmth.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Combine in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added vitamin and colour.
FAQs
Can I exploit a distinct sort of cheese as an alternative of feta?
Whereas feta provides the dish its signature creamy texture and tangy taste, you should use goat cheese or ricotta instead for the same creamy consequence.
Can I put together this forward of time?
You’ll be able to prep the tomatoes and feta forward of time and retailer them within the fridge, then bake them contemporary if you’re able to serve. Cook dinner the pasta simply earlier than tossing every part collectively.
How lengthy will leftovers final?
Retailer any leftovers in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Reheat gently within the microwave or on the range, including a little bit of olive oil or water to refresh the sauce.
Serving
- This baked feta pasta makes a implausible important dish, good for a weeknight dinner or special day.
- Pair it with a facet of garlic bread, a easy inexperienced salad, or roasted greens.
- For an additional burst of taste, serve with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on prime.
Strategies
- Garnish with contemporary basil, oregano, or perhaps a sprinkle of purple pepper flakes for further taste.
- Pair with a glass of white wine, similar to Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to enhance the creamy feta.
- Add a facet of roasted or grilled greens like asparagus or broccoli to make the meal extra filling.
Baked Feta Pasta
Substances
-
8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or pasta of your alternative)
-
2 pints cherry tomatoes
-
8-ounce block feta cheese
-
½ cup further virgin olive oil
-
¼ teaspoon salt
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
2 garlic cloves, minced
-
¼ cup contemporary basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In an oven-safe baking dish, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Toss till the tomatoes are evenly coated.
- Place the block of feta cheese within the heart of the dish, surrounding it with the seasoned tomatoes. Flip the feta a few instances to make sure it’s coated with the olive oil and seasonings.
- Bake within the oven for 35 minutes, or till the tomatoes burst and the feta turns into smooth and creamy.
- Whereas the tomatoes and feta are baking, prepare dinner the pasta in a big pot of salted water in response to the bundle instructions, till al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking liquid, then drain the pasta.
- As soon as the tomatoes and feta are prepared, take away the dish from the oven and instantly add the minced garlic and contemporary basil. Toss every part collectively to mix.
- Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss all of it collectively. If wanted, add among the reserved pasta water to assist mix the components.
- Garnish with further basil and serve heat.
