Baked Feta Pasta took the internet by storm for good reason – it’s incredibly simple yet delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. This Mediterranean-inspired dish transforms a humble block of feta cheese into a creamy, tangy sauce that coats every strand of pasta with pure comfort.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the high heat of the oven works its magic, turning cherry tomatoes into sweet, caramelized gems while simultaneously melting the feta into a silky sauce that requires no additional thickening. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company!
Why You’ll Love This
- Minimal prep work – just toss ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the heavy lifting
- Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce without any cream or complicated techniques
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and add-ins
- Perfect for meal prep – the flavors actually improve overnight
- Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for busy weeknights
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 8 oz brick of feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Add the grape tomatoes to a medium-sized baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Place the brick of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the tomatoes.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese, making sure the tomatoes are well coated.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt evenly over the cheese and tomatoes.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil directly over the feta cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the cheese becomes soft and slightly golden.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and keep warm.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Immediately stir the softened cheese and burst tomatoes until well combined and creamy. Add the chopped fresh basil and stir again.
- Add the warm, cooked pasta to the baking dish and mix thoroughly until the pasta is well coated with the creamy feta-tomato sauce.
- Serve hot, optionally with extra basil on top and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas after baking
- Swap the feta for goat cheese for a milder, creamier sauce
- Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of baking
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities
- Try adding lemon zest after baking for a bright, citrusy note
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of butter when mixing the pasta
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
If you’re hosting a dinner party, start with bruschetta or a light antipasto platter, then follow with this pasta as your main course. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the tangy feta perfectly.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.
- For best results, use full-fat feta packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta.
- The pasta is done when the tomatoes have burst and the feta has a light golden color on top.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the tomatoes and feta up to a day ahead, then reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
What if I can’t find a block of feta?
If you can only find crumbled feta, gather it into a pile in the center of your baking dish. It won’t hold together perfectly, but will still create a delicious sauce.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Cherry or grape tomatoes work best because they caramelize beautifully and release the perfect amount of juice. Larger tomatoes cut into chunks can work but may release too much liquid.
Is this dish spicy?
The red pepper flakes add a mild warmth that most people enjoy. You can reduce or omit them if serving to children or those sensitive to spice, or increase the amount if you prefer more heat.
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