Baked Feta Pasta Extravaganza

$- 200g feta cheese (block) - 400g cherry tomatoes (halved) - 3 cloves garlic (sliced) - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 300g penne pasta (or pasta of choice) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) - Zest of 1 lemon (for brightness) - Cracked black pepper - Additional olive oil The main ingredients in this dish are simple yet bold. Feta cheese gives it a creamy texture. Juicy cherry tomatoes add sweetness and vibrant color. Garlic adds depth and flavor, while red pepper flakes give a hint of heat. Olive oil is essential for roasting the tomatoes and feta. It helps create a rich sauce when you combine everything. Dried oregano adds a warm, herby note. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. The pasta serves as the base. Penne or any pasta you like works well. Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant touch, and lemon zest brightens the entire dish. For extra flair, you can use cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil as garnishes. This mix of ingredients makes baked feta pasta both easy to prepare and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This helps the dish cook evenly. 2. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half to release their juices. 3. Slice the garlic into thin pieces. This adds flavor to the dish. 1. In a large baking dish, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the tomatoes. 2. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Drizzle some olive oil over the feta. Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper on top. 3. Make sure everything is well combined for the best flavor. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. The tomatoes should blister and the feta should turn golden. 2. You will know the dish is ready when the tomatoes are soft and juicy, and the feta is creamy. 1. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so it stays firm. 2. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining. This water helps adjust the sauce later. 1. Once the baking is done, take the dish out of the oven. Stir the tomatoes and feta together until creamy. 2. Add the cooked pasta to the dish. Toss everything together until well mixed. 3. If the dish is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time. This gives you the perfect saucy consistency. Enjoy the mix of flavors and the beautiful colors in your dish! - Adjusting spice levels: Start with ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. You can add more if you like it spicy. Just taste as you go to find your perfect heat level. - Choosing the right pasta: I recommend using penne pasta. Its tube shape holds sauce well. You can use any pasta you enjoy, like fusilli or farfalle. - Adding herbs and spices: Dried oregano works great in this dish. You can also add fresh thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Toss in a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate your dish. - Alternative cheeses: Feta is fantastic, but you can try goat cheese or even a creamy ricotta. These cheeses will give a different taste and texture to the pasta. - Oven variations: All ovens cook differently. Keep an eye on your dish. If your tomatoes are not blistered after 30 minutes, bake a bit longer. - Pasta cooking tips: Follow the package instructions to cook your pasta al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite into it. Remember to save some pasta water for a great sauce! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality feta cheese will elevate the flavor of your baked pasta dish significantly. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste preference. If you love spice, add more; if you prefer mild, use less. Don't Skip the Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is key to achieving a creamy consistency. Add it gradually until you reach your desired texture. Garnish with Freshness: Adding fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil right before serving enhances the dish's aroma and presentation. {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to fit a vegetarian diet. Adding more veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Consider adding spinach or bell peppers. These add color and taste. You can also use plant-based cheese. It melts well and makes the dish creamy. Try brands like almond or cashew cheese for a nice twist. Want to make your pasta heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options bring extra protein and flavor. Simply grill or sauté them before mixing in. If you prefer a plant-based option, use tofu. Firm tofu works best. Just sauté it until golden and mix it in for great texture. If you need gluten-free pasta, it’s simple to swap. Use gluten-free penne or any gluten-free shape you like. Many brands taste great and hold their shape well. You can also try zucchini noodles for a fresh twist. Just spiralize the zucchini and toss it in at the end for a veggie-packed meal. To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work well because they do not stain or hold odors. Let the dish cool down before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Always label containers with the date to track freshness. The best way to reheat baked feta pasta is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. To avoid sogginess, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water. You can freeze baked feta pasta for up to two months. Portion it into smaller containers for easier thawing. Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. To defrost, place the container in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven or microwave as mentioned above. Baked feta pasta stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it safe. If you want to enjoy it later, just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Yes, you can! While feta gives a unique taste, you can try goat cheese or ricotta. Each cheese will change the flavor a bit, but they all melt well and taste great with the tomatoes. Absolutely! When you bake the feta, it becomes creamy. Mixing it with the tomatoes creates a rich sauce. You can also add a bit of the reserved pasta water to make it even creamier without using any cream. This dish pairs nicely with a side salad or garlic bread. You can also add some grilled vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition. A light red wine can make a great drink choice. To make baked feta pasta dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese that melts well. Look for options made from nuts or tofu. You can also add more veggies for flavor and texture. This baked feta pasta offers a burst of flavor with simple ingredients. You mix fresh tomatoes, feta, and pasta to create a tasty dish. Remember to adjust spices to fit your taste. Add veggies or proteins to make it your own. Store leftovers wisely, and enjoy them later. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, easy to make, and always rewarding. Dive into your kitchen and try it today!$

Baked Feta Pasta Extravaganza

A delicious and creamy baked feta pasta dish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

200 g feta cheese (block)
400 g cherry tomatoes (halved)
3 cloves garlic (sliced)
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
3 tablespoons olive oil
300 g penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
to taste salt and pepper
to taste fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
1 zest lemon (for brightness)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the tomatoes evenly.
In the center of the baking dish, place the block of feta cheese. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta and season it with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and soft.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Once the baking is done, remove the dish from the oven and stir the tomatoes and feta together until creamy and well combined.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. If needed, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to achieve a saucy consistency.
Finish with lemon zest for a refreshing touch, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve in pasta bowls, drizzled with a little more olive oil and topped with freshly cracked pepper and basil for added flair.

Keyword baked, feta, pasta, tomatoes, vegetarian