Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 pint cherry tomatoes; 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini); 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

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Baked Feta Pasta is the sensation that stole the internet’s heart for good reason: it’s creamy, tangy, loaded with juicy tomatoes, and almost shockingly simple to put together. You’ll be amazed at how a handful of humble ingredients—cherry tomatoes, a block of feta, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil—come together in one pan to make a luscious, restaurant-worthy pasta dish. Whether you’re new to this viral favorite or already a fan, you’ll love the silky, flavor-packed sauce and that unmistakable combo of salty cheese and sweet roasted tomatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Baked Feta Pasta is all about using just the right handful of fresh, high-impact ingredients. Each element brings something special, from the burst of ripe tomatoes to the creamy bite of feta and that herbaceous basil finish. Here’s what you need and why it matters:

Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness are the backbone of the sauce—a true pop of color and flavor after roasting.
Feta cheese (block, 8 oz): Go for a block instead of crumbled; it melts better and gives you that dreamy creamy texture.
Olive oil: Good olive oil brings out the flavors of every ingredient and helps everything meld together in the oven.
Garlic (minced): Just a couple cloves add a lovely punch and aroma to each bite.
Dried oregano: It offers that signature Mediterranean touch and brings warmth to the dish.
Red pepper flakes (optional): A tiny pinch gives a gentle heat without overpowering; totally optional if you like it milder.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and making all the flavors sing together—taste as you go!
Pasta (8 ounces, penne or rotini): These shapes hold on to the sauce beautifully, so every nook and cranny is coated.
Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): That final, fragrant finishing touch—don’t skip it!

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a medium baking dish and tumble in all those cherry tomatoes. Place your block of feta cheese right in the center. Think of it as setting the stage for a flavor explosion to come!

Step 2: Season the Cheese and Tomatoes

Drizzle everything liberally with olive oil, making sure to coat the tomatoes and the feta. Sprinkle over your minced garlic, dried oregano, a good pinch of salt and pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes. Gently toss the tomatoes around so they’re well coated, but leave the feta right in the middle—center stage!

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are bursting and perfectly roasted, and the feta is soft, creamy, and just starting to turn golden at the edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly at this point.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your Baked Feta Pasta base is in the oven, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta (penne or rotini are both great picks) according to package instructions until just al dente. Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water—it’s the secret to silky sauces!

Step 5: Mash, Mix, and Assemble

When the tomato and feta come out bubbling hot and golden, it’s time for the magic. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together right in the dish, creating a creamy, tangy sauce. Add your cooked pasta straight in, pouring over a splash of reserved pasta water to get everything silky and well combined. Finish it off by folding in the chopped fresh basil. Serve right away for peak creaminess!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra fresh basil always brightens up the finished dish. You can also try a handful of microgreens or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper for a little zing. A drizzle of really good olive oil on top, right before serving, takes it over the edge!

Baked Feta Pasta Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette, or serve alongside roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini. Warm crusty bread is another winner—perfect for mopping up every bit of that irresistibly creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present Baked Feta Pasta

Bring your Baked Feta Pasta to the table family-style in the baking dish for that “wow” factor. Or, plate it in shallow bowls topped with extra basil and a wedge of lemon for a pop of color. For parties, serve it in small cups or ramekins for a fun, hands-on twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Transfer your Baked Feta Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavor actually gets richer as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch something to really look forward to!

Freezing

While you technically can freeze Baked Feta Pasta, the texture may change since dairy doesn’t always freeze beautifully. If you do, use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, then warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Give it a good stir and finish with a pinch of fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

A block of feta melts more smoothly and gives a creamier sauce compared to pre-crumbled feta, which often includes anti-caking agents. Stick with a block when possible for the best Baked Feta Pasta texture!

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

Grape tomatoes also work beautifully, or you can chop up larger ripe tomatoes. Just be sure to use ripe, juicy tomatoes, as they are the key to the sweet, flavorful sauce in Baked Feta Pasta.

Is there a way to make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based feta alternative and check that your pasta is egg-free. Olive oil and veggies are naturally vegan, so you’ll still get the rich, tangy flavors you love.

Can I add protein to Baked Feta Pasta?

Yes! Sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken, or even crispy chickpeas make great protein boosts. Stir them in just after mixing the sauce and pasta together.

What’s the best pasta shape for Baked Feta Pasta?

Short shapes with ridges or curves like rotini, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce the best and give you that perfect bite every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wow your dinner crowd with minimal effort, Baked Feta Pasta is the perfect recipe to try. All it takes are fresh, humble ingredients and a hot oven to create something truly unforgettable—don’t be surprised if it becomes an instant family favorite!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe has taken the internet by storm for its simplicity and bold flavors. Juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese are roasted together for a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Baked Feta Pasta:

1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Prepare the baking dish: In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently, leaving the feta in the center.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Combine: Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the feta and tomatoes together until creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in fresh basil and serve immediately.