Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 10 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini); 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped); 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

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If you’re searching for a simple, crowd-pleasing meal that tastes like it took hours but only requires minutes of hands-on work, Baked Feta Pasta is your answer. This irresistible dish combines creamy melted feta, burst cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil tossed with your favorite pasta for a Mediterranean-inspired feast that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Each bite offers a cozy, savory experience, making this Baked Feta Pasta perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or moments when you crave comfort food but want something a little special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Baked Feta Pasta plays a starring role, delivering taste, texture, or a splash of color that makes the whole dish shine. Gather these essentials and get ready for a meal that feels gourmet, but comes together easily.

Feta cheese (8 oz block): Use a whole block for the creamiest sauce and rich, tangy flavor that melts perfectly into the tomatoes.
Cherry tomatoes (2 cups): These burst in the oven, releasing sweet juices and creating a juicy, flavorful base for the sauce.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Don’t skimp! Olive oil helps everything caramelize and adds lovely fruitiness to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Lends signature depth and savory notes—don’t be afraid to add more if you’re a garlic lover.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): If you enjoy a little kick, these add gentle heat that brightens up the whole dish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the acidity and brings all the flavors into focus.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and rounds everything out.
Pasta (10 oz, penne or rotini): Short, sturdy shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, but any type Main Course.
Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Brings a burst of herbal freshness—save a bit for sprinkling on top at the end.
Reserved pasta water (1/4 cup): Starchy pasta water helps loosen and bind the sauce for that restaurant-quality silkiness.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and toss in the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the tomatoes are evenly coated in all those delicious flavors. Nestle the feta block right in the center, giving it a light drizzle of olive oil for extra richness. This setup is what makes the magic happen!

Step 2: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Slide the baking dish into the hot oven and let the feta and tomatoes roast for 30 to 35 minutes. The tomatoes will burst and turn jammy, and the feta will become golden on the edges and soft in the center. The aroma will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait for the next step!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the feta and tomatoes do their thing, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the pasta water and set it aside—this liquid gold will help tie the sauce together.

Step 4: Mash and Mix the Feta Sauce

Once the feta and tomatoes are roasted and bubbling, pull the dish from the oven. Take a fork and gently mash the feta and softened tomatoes together right in the baking dish, turning everything into a luxuriously creamy sauce. If you see any stubborn whole tomatoes, give them a little squish to release all their flavor!

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Finish with Basil

Add the drained pasta straight to the dish, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so each piece of pasta gets coated in sauce. Sprinkle in the fresh basil, stir again, and admire the colorful, mouthwatering result. Serve your Baked Feta Pasta hot for maximum swoon factor!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

For an extra flourish, scatter a handful of chopped fresh basil or a dusting of black pepper on top just before serving. If you want a little more tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon brightens things up beautifully. For a fancy finish, drizzle with your best extra virgin olive oil right at the table.

Side Dishes

Baked Feta Pasta loves simple, fresh sides. Try a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a plate of roasted or grilled vegetables. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce—everyone will be fighting for the last bite!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions of Baked Feta Pasta in small cast iron skillets or wide, shallow bowls. Or offer it family-style with a platter of extra toppings like toasted pine nuts, olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes for guests to customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Baked Feta Pasta (a rare occurrence), store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making the second-day lunch something special!

Freezing

Baked Feta Pasta can be frozen, though the texture of the tomatoes and feta may change slightly once thawed. If you decide to freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring frequently. A quick stir will help restore the sauce’s creaminess and bring everything back together as if it were just baked.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

While crumbled feta will melt, the block variety creates a creamier, silkier sauce and holds its shape better during baking. If a block isn’t available, crumbled feta will still work—just watch carefully so it doesn’t dry out.

What other vegetables can I add to Baked Feta Pasta?

Absolutely! Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, sautéed spinach, or artichoke hearts make fantastic additions. Toss them in with the tomatoes to roast, or fold them into the pasta just before serving for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is there a vegan alternative for feta?

Yes! Many grocery stores offer vegan feta made from almonds or tofu, which works beautifully in this recipe. It melts a bit differently but still brings a tangy, creamy vibe to Baked Feta Pasta.

Does this recipe work with gluten-free pasta?

Definitely. Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the directions as usual. The naturally gluten-free sauce pairs perfectly with any pasta variety.

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Don’t forget to reserve pasta water when you cook the noodles. Adding this starchy liquid helps loosen the sauce and makes it cling to every bit of pasta without becoming dry or sticky.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Pasta has a special way of turning ordinary ingredients into something unforgettable—every time. I hope you’re as smitten with its creamy, tangy flavors as I am. Go ahead, gather those simple ingredients, pop them in the oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to one seriously delicious pasta night!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that has taken the internet by storm. Juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese bake together to create a creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. With a hint of spice and freshness from basil, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Feta Pasta:

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta:

10 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the baking dish: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
Bake the feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over the feta. Bake for 30–35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden.
Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
Combine ingredients: Remove the baking dish from the oven, mash the feta and tomatoes to form a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Toss to coat evenly.
Finish and serve: Stir in chopped fresh basil and serve warm.