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- 200g pasta (your choice, such as penne or fusilli) - 200g block of feta cheese - 400g cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) To make baked feta tomato pasta, you need a few key ingredients. First, choose your pasta. Penne or fusilli works best. They hold the sauce well. Next, you need a block of feta cheese. It melts beautifully in the oven. For the tomatoes, use fresh cherry tomatoes. Halve them to let their juices mix with the feta. You will also need garlic. Minced garlic adds a nice flavor. Don’t forget olive oil. It helps everything cook well. Dried oregano brings a classic taste. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Salt and pepper are must-haves for taste. Finally, fresh basil leaves give a lovely finish. Grated Parmesan cheese is optional but tasty. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious meal. To start, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step is key. A hot oven helps the feta melt and the tomatoes blister. In your baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Next, surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes. This arrangement allows the flavors to blend well. Then, scatter the minced garlic over the top. Drizzle olive oil all over the dish. Sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. While your feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta. Use about 200g of your favorite type, like penne or fusilli. Follow the package instructions closely. Aim for al dente, which means firm to the bite. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Don't forget this important tip: reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps to adjust the sauce later. Once the baking is done, take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. Now, add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Taste your dish to see if it needs more seasoning. Serve it hot, topped with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your meal! To get creamy feta, use a block. The best method is to bake it until soft. Baking at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes will do the trick. Keep an eye on it. When it melts, it mixes great with tomatoes. You can mash it with a fork for a smooth texture. This makes the pasta sauce rich and tasty. You can change the heat by adjusting red pepper flakes. If you want less spice, use half the amount. For more heat, add more flakes. Keep tasting as you mix. This way, you can find the right balance for your dish. Remember, it's easy to add spice but hard to take it away. To boost flavor, add herbs and spices. Fresh basil is a great choice. You can also try thyme or parsley. If you like more zest, use lemon zest. A sprinkle of oregano adds depth, too. Mix and match herbs to fit your taste. These little changes can make your pasta sing with flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta type for this dish. Whole grain pasta adds fiber and nutrients. Gluten-free pasta works well too. Use penne, fusilli, or any shape you like. Just cook it until it's al dente. This keeps it firm and tasty. Adding vegetables makes this dish even better. Consider using spinach for a fresh touch. Zucchini or bell peppers add color and crunch. Broccoli works great as well. Just chop them up and mix them in before baking. They will cook along with the feta and tomatoes. This boosts flavor and nutrition. Want more protein? You can add chicken, shrimp, or beans. Cooked chicken breast works well. Just chop it up and mix it in. Shrimp can be tossed in during the last few minutes of baking. For a vegetarian option, add chickpeas or black beans. They add protein and pair nicely with feta. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Cover it tightly to keep out air. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Label the container with the date for easy tracking. This way, you will know when to eat it. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it for one minute, then stir. Repeat until warm. For the stovetop, use a pan on low heat. Add a little olive oil or water to prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated through. This keeps the pasta creamy and fresh. To freeze the dish, cool it completely first. Use a freezer-safe container and portion it out. Leave some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly. Label it with the date and contents. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before. This way, you can enjoy baked feta tomato pasta anytime. If you can't find feta cheese, don't worry! Here are some great substitutes: - Goat cheese has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture. - Ricotta cheese provides a soft, mild taste but is less salty. - Cottage cheese can work too, though it’s chunkier and less flavorful. - Cream cheese can mimic feta in texture but lacks the same taste. Each option gives you a different flavor, so feel free to experiment! Yes, you can easily make this dish vegan! Here are some tips: - Use plant-based feta made from nuts or tofu. - Replace the cheese with nut-based cream cheese for a creamy texture. - For pasta, ensure it is made without eggs; many brands offer vegan options. - Add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for more flavor and texture. These swaps keep the dish delicious while meeting your dietary needs! Baked feta tomato pasta lasts for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To store it: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Make sure it cools completely before sealing. When ready to eat, just reheat it in the oven or microwave. Enjoy your tasty meal again! This blog post detailed how to create a delicious baked feta tomato pasta dish. We covered ingredients like pasta types, feta specifics, and vibrant cherry tomatoes. You learned the essential steps, from baking to serving. I shared tips to perfect your dish and variations for extra flavor. Proper storage and reheating tricks help keep your meal fresh. Enjoying this dish is easy and fun. Experiment with flavors and ingredients. Your creativity will make each meal unique and tasty.

Baked Feta Tomato Pasta

Discover the delicious simplicity of baked feta tomato pasta! This easy recipe combines creamy feta cheese with juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant garlic, creating a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any weeknight dinner. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this tasty meal that serves four. Ready to impress at the dinner table? Click through now to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta game!
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Ingredients
  

200g pasta (your choice, such as penne or fusilli)

200g block of feta cheese

400g cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

    In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes.

      Scatter the minced garlic over the tomatoes and feta. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the oregano, red pepper flakes, and season generously with salt and pepper.

        Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and melty.

          While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

            Once the baking is done, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.

              Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.

                Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot. Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4