Baked Feta Pasta

$- 200g penne pasta - 200g feta cheese block - 300g cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) In this dish, the main ingredients create a wonderful base. The penne pasta serves as a hearty choice. The feta cheese adds a creamy texture that melts beautifully. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor and sweetness. For seasonings, garlic brings a punch that pairs well with the feta. Extra-virgin olive oil enhances the dish's richness. Dried oregano adds warmth and depth to the flavors. I suggest tasting and adjusting your salt and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. This choice brings a delightful kick to the dish. You can find the Full Recipe for Baked Feta Pasta Delight to guide you step by step. Enjoy crafting this easy and flavorful dish! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss well to coat. The key to a great baked feta pasta starts with fresh ingredients. Using ripe cherry tomatoes and good-quality feta makes a big difference. The garlic adds flavor and aroma, while the olive oil helps everything roast nicely. - Place the feta cheese block in the center of the mixture. - Drizzle olive oil over the feta and bake for 30 minutes. Baking the feta and tomatoes together transforms the dish. The cheese softens and becomes creamy, while the tomatoes burst and release their juices. This creates a rich sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. - Cook penne pasta, mix with baked feta and tomatoes, and garnish with fresh basil and lemon zest. While the feta bakes, cook your penne pasta until it’s al dente. Once it's done, drain it and set it aside. After baking, mash the feta and tomatoes together with a fork. Toss in the pasta and mix until everything is well coated. Adding lemon zest gives a bright flavor. Finish with fresh basil for a pop of color and taste. For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe. You’ll love how simple and tasty this dish is! To make the best baked feta pasta, you need to start with the right feta cheese. Look for a block of creamy, high-quality feta. It should be rich and tangy. Avoid crumbled feta, as it won’t melt the same way. Fresh ingredients are key too. Use ripe cherry tomatoes, as their sweetness really shines when baked. Fresh garlic will add depth to the dish, making every bite taste amazing. One common mistake is overbaking the feta cheese. Bake it just until soft and golden. If you leave it too long, it will become dry and crumbly. Another mistake is not adjusting the seasoning to taste. After mixing the pasta with the sauce, taste it! You might need a pinch of salt or more pepper to bring out all the flavors. To amp up the flavor, consider adding herbs. Fresh basil is a classic choice. You can also use thyme or parsley. They add freshness and brightness to the dish. If you want to mix things up, try adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes. These add a nice briny flavor that pairs well with the creamy feta. For a little kick, add red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of lemon zest, which gives a lovely zing. For a full guide on creating this dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta for a new twist. Try gluten-free pasta if you need it. I love using whole wheat or even zoodles for a lighter dish. These swaps keep it fun and fresh! Cheese can also change the dish's flavor. Instead of feta, try goat cheese for a tangy kick. Cream cheese can work if you want a super creamy sauce. Mozzarella adds a nice stretch if you crave cheesiness. Want to boost the veggie count? Toss in spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients. Roasted zucchini or mushrooms can also work well, making it hearty. If you prefer vegetarian options, skip the meat and load up on vegetables. For a vegan version, use plant-based feta. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free type, and you’re all set! Adding protein can make this dish even better. Try cooked chicken or shrimp for a filling meal. They pair nicely with the creamy feta and tomatoes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices! A pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika can add depth. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the flavors. Get creative and find what you love! To store leftovers of Baked Feta Pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish is cool before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in the microwave. Stir it halfway through to heat evenly. You can also use the oven to reheat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. For long-term storage, you can freeze Baked Feta Pasta. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven until it is hot throughout. Baked Feta Pasta tastes best when fresh, but you can store it. Keep your leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. If frozen, aim to eat it within three months for the best flavor. After that, the taste may change. Enjoy this dish while it's still delicious! Baked Feta Pasta is a simple and tasty dish that became popular on social media. It comes from Finland, where cooks made it with feta cheese, pasta, and fresh tomatoes. The dish gained fame for its creamy texture and rich flavor. The warm feta mixes with the juicy tomatoes, creating a sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. It’s a great meal for busy weeknights or any occasion. Yes, you can prepare Baked Feta Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and mix the tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese in the baking dish. Cover it and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to cook, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. Baked Feta Pasta can be a healthy meal. It has protein from the feta cheese and carbs from the pasta. Here are some points to consider: - Feta cheese offers calcium and healthy fats. - Cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. - You can use whole grain or gluten-free pasta for more fiber. You can easily make Baked Feta Pasta your own. Here are some fun ideas: - Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for more color and nutrients. - Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a different taste. - Sprinkle in some herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor. Baked Feta Pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are a few suggestions: - A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Garlic bread to soak up the sauce. - Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. You can find the Full Recipe for Baked Feta Pasta Delight in this article. It guides you through each step to make this dish at home. This blog post covered all you need for delicious baked feta pasta. We highlighted the ingredients, from pasta to feta, and shared easy steps for baking. I included tips to perfect the dish and various ways to customize it. Explore ingredient swaps and flavor options to make it your own. Remember, fresh ingredients make a big difference. Enjoy every bite of this fun dish, whether alone or with friends.$

Indulge in the delicious Baked Feta Pasta Delight that's sure to impress! This easy recipe combines creamy baked feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and penne pasta for a mouthwatering meal ready in just 40 minutes. With hints of garlic, fresh basil, and a zesty twist of lemon, it’s a dinner you can't resist.

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Ingredients

200g penne pasta

200g feta cheese block

300g cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated lemon zest from 1 lemon

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss well to coat.

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish amidst the tomatoes.

Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta cheese block.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and golden.

Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Once the baking is complete, use a fork to mash the baked feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.

Toss the cooked pasta into the baking dish and mix until all the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

Stir in the grated lemon zest for a refreshing twist, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

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