If you’re in the mood for something creamy, tangy, and just bursting with fresh flavor, Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes is going to be your new obsession. This super-simple and gorgeous Mediterranean-inspired meal comes together so quickly, yet it tastes like something you’d order at your favorite bistro. Picture sweet, juicy tomatoes roasting alongside a block of feta cheese until everything’s bubbling and golden, then tossed with perfectly cooked pasta—the result is a luscious, savory sauce that clings to every bite. It’s comfort food with a sun-drenched twist, and I promise, you’ll want to make this one again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes: the ingredient list is short, but each component delivers big on flavor, color, and that oh-so satisfying texture. These pantry staples and fresh market finds create magic together, so let’s break down what you’ll need and why each star really matters:
- Pasta (12 ounces): Use penne or fusilli—those nifty twists and tubes hold all the saucy goodness in every forkful.
- Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints): These beauties burst open in the oven, releasing sweet juice that becomes the backbone of the sauce.
- Block Feta Cheese (8 ounces): Opt for a whole block, not crumbled feta—the magic happens when it bakes and melts into creaminess.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): A generous drizzle imparts richness and helps everything roast to perfection.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp here—the garlic perfumes the dish and deepens the flavor.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Just a hint brings a warm, earthy Mediterranean note to the sauce.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): A pinch adds gentle heat—add more if you love a touch of spice.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning—taste as you go to get it just right.
- Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Stir in right at the end for a boost of freshness and a gorgeous pop of green.
How to Make Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes
Step 1: Prep and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a large baking dish and spread the cherry tomatoes in an even layer, then nestle the block of feta right in the center. Drizzle the whole thing generously with olive oil and scatter the minced garlic, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them, plus some salt and black pepper all around. Give the tomatoes a gentle toss to get them nicely coated, but leave that feta block sitting pretty in the middle—this is where the sauce magic will happen.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the oven and let it work its magic for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst, the juices are bubbling, and the feta is golden right on top. It takes a little patience, but trust me—the aroma that fills your kitchen while this bakes is worth the wait!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While everything’s roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it to that perfect al dente texture, according to the package directions. Just before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta water—that starchy liquid is a secret weapon for finishing your sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
When the baking dish comes out of the oven, grab a large spoon and gently mash everything together—the blistered tomatoes, golden feta, garlic, and olive oil—until it forms a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’ll look a little rustic, but that’s exactly what you want!
Step 5: Toss and Finish
Add your cooked pasta right into the baking dish and toss it so that every piece gets coated in that amazing feta-tomato mixture. If the sauce feels a bit thick, just add a splash or two of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your liking. Finish by stirring in a handful of chopped fresh basil for color and a burst of herby aroma. Serve warm and get ready for some serious “wow” moments at the table.
How to Serve Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter: a scatter of extra fresh basil, a few cracks of black pepper, or even a light zesting of lemon over the top can really brighten everything up. If you want a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or some homemade garlic breadcrumbs take this Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes to the next level—so simple, yet it feels gourmet.
Side Dishes
Let this creamy pasta shine by pairing it with something fresh on the side. A crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or even a platter of marinated olives adds just the right contrast. If you’re feeling extra, a few slices of good crusty bread are perfect for swiping up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes is gorgeous right out of the oven, so bring the whole baking dish to the table for a rustic, family-style meal. For a dinner party, serve individual portions in wide, shallow bowls with fresh basil artfully scattered on top—you can even top each plate with a few roasted tomatoes and crumbles of feta for added flair. Leftovers also make a fantastic cold pasta salad served picnic-style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes stores beautifully. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze the pasta, the texture of feta and roasted tomatoes is best when fresh. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely and pack into a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, but know that the sauce may separate a bit after freezing—it’ll still taste good but might look less creamy.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to loosen things up, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Stir often until just heated through—avoid overcooking, as the pasta and tomatoes can become overly soft if reheated aggressively.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
For best results, stick with a block of feta, as it melts into a creamier sauce and gives the dish that signature richness. Crumbled feta tends to dry out and won’t deliver the same luscious texture in your Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Penne and fusilli are perfect for capturing the creamy tomato-feta sauce, but you can use any short pasta you love. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it with rigatoni, farfalle, or even rotini for a fun twist.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free brand—just keep an eye on the cooking time so you achieve that perfect al dente bite. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a wonderfully inclusive dish.
How can I add protein to Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes?
This recipe is super versatile. Toss in some cooked chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas for an extra boost of protein. Just add your protein at the end with the pasta, and stir to combine.
Can I serve it cold as a pasta salad?
Definitely! Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes is delicious both warm and cold. Chill the leftovers, then toss with a little extra olive oil and fresh basil just before serving for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch or picnic dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to dive into this Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes! It’s the kind of dish that earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation—effortless, vibrant, and so satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for loved ones or just looking to treat yourself, this is a meal that always brings a little extra sunshine to your table.
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Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and simple recipe for Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes that combines the rich creaminess of baked feta with burst cherry tomatoes over al dente pasta, creating a flavorful Mediterranean dish.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces block feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: to 400°F. Place cherry tomatoes and feta in a baking dish.
- Prepare the tomatoes and feta: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
- Bake: for 30–35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden.
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine: Mash feta and tomatoes, add cooked pasta, toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Finish and serve: Stir in fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding baby spinach, olives, or cooked chicken.
- This dish can be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad as well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
