Irresistible Baked Feta Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

The aroma of baked feta pasta wafts through the air, filling your home with a warm, inviting scent that makes your mouth water. Imagine biting into creamy, melted feta mingling with luscious tomatoes and al dente pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, baked feta pasta is the perfect companion for every occasion. It promises to be a crowd-pleaser, making even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds.

Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Feta Cheese: Opt for high-quality block feta for the best melting results. Crumbled feta will not provide the same creamy texture.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness and juiciness. They roast beautifully and burst with flavor.

• Pasta: Choose your favorite pasta shape—penne or fusilli works great as they catch all the delicious sauce.

• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors and adds richness to the dish.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth; don’t skimp on this ingredient!

• Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes elevate the flavor profile dramatically.

• Basil: Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant touch that brightens each bite.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients

In your prepared baking dish, toss in the cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then nestle that block of feta right in the center.

Step 3: Add Flavor

Sprinkle minced garlic and red pepper flakes over everything. It’s like giving your baked feta pasta a flavorful hug!

Step 4: Bake It Up

Pop that glorious creation into your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is melting into a creamy goodness.

Step 5: Cook Your Pasta

While waiting for the magic to happen in the oven, boil your chosen pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. No one wants mushy noodles ruining our fabulous dish!

Step 6: Combine & Serve

Once baked, take out the dish (be careful, it’s hot!). Stir together all those roasted tomatoes and melted feta until well blended. Toss in your cooked pasta along with freshly torn basil leaves. Transfer to plates and enjoy this delightful meal that practically cooks itself!

Now you can revel in every cheesy bite of baked feta pasta while reminiscing about how easy it was to whip up such culinary magic!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best baked feta pasta, start by roasting your tomatoes and feta together for maximum flavor. While those are baking, cook your pasta to al dente. Finally, combine everything with fresh herbs for a glorious finish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the tomatoes for roasted bell peppers or add kale for extra greens. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat or toss in olives for a Mediterranean twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil and heat gently on the stovetop to maintain creaminess.

Sharing a memory about my first baked feta pasta experience always brings a smile. I made it for my friends, and their faces lit up with joy as they took their first bites—talk about instant culinary validation!

FAQs:

What is Baked Feta Pasta?

Baked Feta Pasta is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that gained popularity on social media. It typically combines baked feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and garlic, all tossed with your choice of pasta. This simple yet flavorful recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. The key to its success lies in the combination of caramelized tomatoes and creamy feta, creating a rich sauce that beautifully coats the pasta.

How do you make Baked Feta Pasta?

To make Baked Feta Pasta, start by preheating your oven. Place a block of feta cheese in an oven-safe dish surrounded by cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft. Meanwhile, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once everything is ready, mix the baked ingredients with the pasta for a delightful meal. You can also add fresh basil for an extra touch of flavor.

Can I customize my Baked Feta Pasta?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of Baked Feta Pasta is its versatility. You can swap out cherry tomatoes for other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs or spices to suit your palate. Feel free to adjust the cheese type too; goat cheese or ricotta can be excellent alternatives if you’re looking for something different.

Is Baked Feta Pasta healthy?

Baked Feta Pasta can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The dish features nutritious ingredients such as tomatoes and olive oil, which provide vitamins and healthy fats. However, since pasta can be high in carbohydrates, consider using whole-grain varieties if you’re looking for healthier options. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding spinach or kale to enhance its nutritional value without compromising flavor.

Conclusion for Baked Feta Pasta:

Baked Feta Pasta is an easy-to-make dish that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful meal perfect for any occasion. With its unique blend of baked feta and roasted tomatoes, it creates a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. Customization options allow you to tailor it to your taste preferences while maintaining its delicious essence. Enjoying this dish not only satisfies your hunger but also impresses family and friends with minimal effort!

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Baked Feta Pasta

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Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines rich melted feta cheese with juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, all tossed with your favorite pasta. This one-pan wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, offering maximum flavor with minimal effort.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 8 oz high-quality block feta cheese
• 2 cups ripe cherry tomatoes
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In the baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then place the block of feta in the center.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic and red pepper flakes over the ingredients.
4. Bake for about 30 minutes until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is melting.
5. Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
6. Once baked, stir together the roasted tomatoes and melted feta; mix in cooked pasta and torn basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: For added heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Customize by adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Use whole-grain pasta for a healthier option.