Baked Feta Pasta Delight

$- 200g pasta (like penne or fusilli) - 200g block of feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Using good ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh cherry tomatoes burst with sweet juice. Quality feta cheese adds creamy richness. Olive oil enhances the dish with its smooth taste. Fresh garlic gives a punch of flavor, making each bite better. Don’t skimp on these items; they make the dish shine. If you can't find feta, try goat cheese. It will still taste great. Use any pasta shape you like, but penne or fusilli work best. For garlic fans, add more cloves for extra flavor. If you want a kick, increase the red pepper flakes. Don't have fresh basil? Use dried basil or parsley instead. Adjust based on what you have at home! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 200g pasta (penne or fusilli works best) - 200g block of feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving Wash the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Mince the garlic and set it aside. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot when you’re ready to bake. In a large baking dish, mix the halved tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything well to coat the tomatoes. Next, make a space in the center of the dish for the feta. Place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top of the feta. Season it lightly with salt and pepper. Now, put the dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You want the tomatoes to burst and caramelize while the feta gets soft and golden. This will create a rich and creamy base for your pasta. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta. Boil water in a pot and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Follow the package instructions for cooking time. You want the pasta to be al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help you adjust the sauce later. Drain the pasta once it’s cooked, and set it aside. When the feta and tomatoes finish baking, take them out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes. This will create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, pour in a little reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess. To make the sauce rich and creamy, start with high-quality feta. The creaminess comes from mashing the baked feta with tomatoes. Use a fork to mix them well. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. This will help it become silky smooth. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Start with just a pinch if you prefer mild flavors. You can always sprinkle more on top when serving. For a unique twist, try adding a splash of lemon juice to brighten the dish. Serve your baked feta pasta warm, topped with fresh basil leaves. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds extra flavor. Pair it with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Don't forget to share your delicious creation with friends and family! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality feta cheese make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for in-season tomatoes for the best taste. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes or use less. You can always add more spice later if desired. Experiment with Herbs: While basil is a classic garnish, try adding fresh oregano or thyme for additional flavor. You can also mix dried herbs into the pasta for an extra punch. Save Leftovers Wisely: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to restore creaminess. {{image_2}} You can make baked feta pasta even better by adding vegetables. Try using spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them up and mix them with the tomatoes. This gives you more flavor and nutrition. Roasting the veggies with the tomatoes enhances their taste. You can add any vegetable you like to make it your own. Want to make your dish heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work great. Simply cook the protein separately and mix it in before serving. This adds a nice texture and makes the meal more filling. You can even use leftover meats to save time. Feta isn’t the only cheese you can use. Try goat cheese or ricotta for a different taste. Both melt well and add creaminess to the dish. If you want a sharper flavor, use Parmesan instead. Each cheese brings its own special twist, so feel free to experiment. Mixing cheeses can also add depth to your sauce. After you enjoy your baked feta pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down first. Place it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing instead. To reheat, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Place a serving in a bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. You can freeze baked feta pasta for up to three months. Make sure it cools first, then put it in a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above. The pasta will still taste great! You can use any short pasta, like penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well. The ridges help catch the creamy feta and tomatoes. I prefer penne for its perfect bite. Fusilli also works great with its twists and turns. Yes! You can swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta. Each cheese gives a unique flavor. Goat cheese adds tanginess, while ricotta offers a milder taste. Just remember to adjust the baking time if you choose a softer cheese. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. Be sure to check the packaging for quality. You can also use zucchini noodles for a lighter twist on the dish. Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Assemble the tomatoes, garlic, and feta in a dish. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to enjoy your meal. In this post, we explored the best ingredients for baked feta pasta, focusing on quality and substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, baking, and cooking. You learned tips for a creamy sauce, spice adjustments, and serving ideas. We discussed variations to add more veggies, proteins, and cheese options. Finally, I covered how to store and reheat leftovers. Take these insights to create a delicious, personalized dish. Your kitchen adventures can always offer something new and tasty!$

Baked Feta Pasta Delight

A delicious pasta dish featuring baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.

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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 pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
200 g block of feta cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
0.25 cup olive oil
to taste Salt and black pepper
to garnish Fresh basil leaves
to serve Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Toss until everything is well coated.
Make a space in the center of the dish and place the block of feta cheese. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are burst and caramelized and the feta is soft and golden.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta cheese into the tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and use fresh basil for garnish.

Keyword baked, cherry tomatoes, feta, pasta