Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta of choice; 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese; 2 pints cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped; Optional grated Parmesan for serving

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Prepare to fall in love with the simple magic of Baked Feta Pasta, the famously easy dish that swept the internet—and for good reason! This recipe perfectly balances creamy, salty feta with sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, all wrapped around your favorite pasta. It’s shockingly simple to make, looks gorgeous on the plate, and is bursting with Mediterranean flavors. If you’re looking for a low-effort dinner that’s both luxurious and crowd-pleasing, this is the recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Feta Pasta lies in its short, powerhouse ingredient list. Each component brings its own superstar quality—from tangy cheese to juicy tomatoes—coming together to create a dish much greater than the sum of its parts.

Pasta of choice (8 ounces): Go with a shape that hugs the sauce, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, but honestly, anything works.
Feta cheese block (8 ounces): The star of the show! Use a whole block for the creamiest texture.
Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): These burst in the oven and add sweetness, color, and juiciness to the sauce.
Extra virgin olive oil (1/4 cup): The oil ties everything together and helps roast the tomatoes to perfection.
Garlic cloves, minced (3): Add these at the end for a pop of aromatic depth that makes everything sing.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle kick of heat—adjust to taste.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just the right touch of warmth.
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (1/4 cup): Sprinkle over at the end for a burst of freshness and color.
Optional grated Parmesan: For extra richness and a finishing touch of umami. Highly recommended!

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your tomatoes roast and caramelize beautifully while the feta turns irresistibly creamy. As the oven heats, gather all your ingredients—it makes the process seamless and lets you enjoy the experience.

Step 2: Layer the Baking Dish

Pour the cherry tomatoes into a baking dish in a single layer and drizzle generously with olive oil. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes over the top, then toss gently with your hands or a spatula to coat the tomatoes evenly. Place the block of feta cheese right in the center, nestling it into the tomatoes. Give the cheese a final drizzle of olive oil to help it brown and soften.

Step 3: Bake the Feta and Tomatoes

Slide the baking dish onto the center rack and let the magic happen for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst open and released their juices, and the feta is golden at the edges and soft in the center. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the feta and tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente, following the directions on your package. Before you drain it, reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water—you’ll want it to help bring the sauce together later.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

Remove the hot baking dish from the oven. Immediately add the minced garlic and chopped basil right over the feta and tomatoes (the heat blooms their flavor!). Use a fork or spoon to mash and stir everything together. What was once a block of cheese and a tumble of tomatoes will transform into a creamy, ruby-flecked sauce that’s frankly irresistible.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add your cooked pasta straight to the baking dish. Toss and stir until all the noodles are slicked with that luscious feta-tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, drizzle in a little of the reserved pasta water until it’s glossy and perfect. Taste a forkful—you’ll know you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

A final shower of freshly chopped basil brings brightness and a pop of color to your Baked Feta Pasta. A dusting of grated Parmesan adds another layer of savory depth. Sometimes, a sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper is just what you need for that little extra zing!

Side Dishes

Keep things Mediterranean by pairing your Baked Feta Pasta with a crisp green salad, garlicky sautéed spinach, or some warm, crusty bread to mop up every drop of that creamy sauce. A simple lemony arugula salad always perks things up on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve straight from the baking dish for that rustic, help-yourself vibe at the table. For a more elegant look, plate individual servings and top each with a few tiny basil leaves and a swirl of good olive oil. Or, spoon the pasta into hollowed-out roasted bell peppers for a fun twist on weeknight dinners!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Feta Pasta will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or next-day dinners and tastes just as delicious once the flavors have mingled overnight.

Freezing

While pasta can sometimes go a bit soft after freezing, you can definitely store this dish in the freezer for up to one month. Let the pasta cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Baked Feta Pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to refresh and loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

You can, but a block of feta melts down much creamier for that perfect sauce consistency. Crumbled feta doesn’t soften quite the same way, but will work in a pinch!

Is there a way to make Baked Feta Pasta vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the feta for a plant-based feta cheese alternative and use your favorite eggless pasta. The results are just as comforting and delicious.

What types of pasta work best with this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are fantastic at catching the sauce, but long noodles like spaghetti work great too. Just go with what you love!

How can I add more veggies or protein?

Pile in some baby spinach, arugula, or even quick-roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are fantastic protein-packed add-ins for a more filling meal.

Will the dish be too spicy with the full amount of red pepper flakes?

The recipe has a gentle heat, but if you’re heat-sensitive, simply reduce or skip the pepper flakes. You can always sprinkle a little on at the end for those who love a kick.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how truly easy and rewarding it is to make Baked Feta Pasta at home, I hope you can’t wait to give it a try! It’s the kind of recipe that instantly upgrades ordinary pasta nights and never fails to impress family or friends. Dive in and savor every creamy, tangy bite!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

A popular and easy-to-make Baked Feta Pasta recipe that has taken the internet by storm. This creamy and flavorful dish features roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a block of feta cheese baked to perfection and mixed with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces pasta of choice

Baked Feta:

1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese

Roasted Tomatoes:

2 pints cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Optional grated Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the tomatoes: Place cherry tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then toss to coat.
Bake the feta: Place the block of feta in the center of the dish among the tomatoes, drizzle with more olive oil, and bake for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens.
Cook the pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Combine ingredients: Mash the feta and tomatoes, add garlic and basil, then mix in the cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
Serve: Serve warm, topped with basil and Parmesan if desired.