Let me share with you one of my all-time favorite dishes that’s taken the internet by storm—the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe. This vibrant, creamy pasta combines roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness and a luscious block of baked feta cheese that melts into a dreamy sauce, making every bite an absolute delight. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for guests, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners when you want something comforting without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe lies in its simple, honest ingredients that come together to create big flavor. Each component plays a crucial role, from the juicy cherry tomatoes adding natural sweetness and vibrant color to the salty, creamy feta which is the star of the show. Fresh garlic, fragrant basil, and a touch of red pepper flakes round out the dish with layers of taste and aroma.
- Feta cheese (8-ounce block): The creamy, tangy centerpiece that melts beautifully into the pasta.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): Sweet and juicy bursts of flavor that roast to perfection.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps everything roast evenly.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses a warm, savory note that elevates the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): Introduces a hint of heat for a subtle kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance flavors.
- Pasta (10 ounces, penne or rotini recommended): Perfect shapes to hold the creamy sauce.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Brightens the dish with its herbal freshness.
- Extra olive oil and grated Parmesan (optional): For finishing touches that add depth and indulgence.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast Your Tomatoes and Feta
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine your cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil, seasoning generously with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Toss everything to coat the tomatoes in that garlicky oil. Nestle the block of feta right in the center, then drizzle a little extra olive oil on top. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes are gloriously bursting and the feta’s soft and golden.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
While your tomatoes and feta roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente—just firm enough to hold the sauce without going mushy. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining; we’ll use this to help bring everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce and Combine
Once the baking dish comes out of the oven, it’s time for the fun part. Grab a spoon and gently mash the softened feta and roasted tomatoes right in the dish, turning it into a rich, creamy sauce. Add your drained pasta into the mix, tossing everything together so that each piece gets coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in the reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve
Stir in the chopped fresh basil for that bright, herbaceous pop. Serve warm, and if you want to go all out, drizzle extra olive oil or sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on top for added flavor and a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches can take your dish from wonderful to unforgettable. A few torn basil leaves scattered on top add a fresh, fragrant note that complements the rich sauce beautifully. A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds silkiness, and if you love cheese, freshly grated Parmesan or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is sublime.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads for a refreshing contrast. You might also serve it alongside roasted vegetables, crusty garlic bread, or a simple bruschetta to continue the Mediterranean vibes on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve the pasta straight from the baking dish, letting everyone dig in family-style—it’s casual, comforting, and fun. Alternatively, plate the pasta in shallow bowls, garnish with fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil, and accompany with colorful extras like olives or sautéed spinach to make the meal look vibrant and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, so a quick stir with a splash of olive oil or pasta water before reheating can restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, keep in mind that the texture of baked feta and tomatoes can change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce as it warms. Avoid using a microwave for best texture, but if you must, heat in short bursts and stir in between to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta is traditional and gives that signature tangy creaminess, you can experiment with cheeses like goat cheese or Boursin for a different twist. Just be aware that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
This dish uses feta cheese, which is dairy-based, so it’s not vegan as is. However, you can try plant-based feta alternatives available in many stores, and swap Parmesan for vegan cheese to make it suitable for a vegan diet.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Short, ridged pasta shapes like penne or rotini are ideal because they hold the sauce well. But feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if you prefer—it’s very flexible!
Can I add proteins or vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Adding cooked chicken, sautéed spinach, olives, or even roasted peppers boosts both flavor and nutrition, turning it into a heartier meal.
How spicy is the dish if I include red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less or omit them altogether—it’s still delicious either way.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe that makes it feel like a hug on a plate. It’s effortless, bursting with sunshine from roasted tomatoes, and enriched by that irresistible creamy feta sauce. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, I bet it’ll become one of your favorite go-to meals, just like it is for me!
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe combines creamy, oven-roasted feta cheese with bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and al dente pasta to create a luscious, flavorful dish inspired by Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. It is a simple yet elegant vegetarian main course perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
Cheese and Vegetables
- 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Pasta and Seasonings
- 10 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Prepare the baking dish: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season this mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Add the feta cheese: Place the entire block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture within the baking dish. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta for added richness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The tomatoes should burst and release their juices, and the feta will become golden and soft.
- Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Create the sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a spoon, gently mash the softened feta and tomatoes together to form a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss well to coat the pasta with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and serve the pasta warm. Optionally, drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- For more flavor and texture, add spinach, cooked chicken, or olives to the dish.
- You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or Boursin cheese for a different twist.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- This dish can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian-Inspired
