Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 200 g feta cheese; Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving); 400 g cherry tomatoes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Fresh basil leaves (for garnish); 300 g pasta (penne or fusilli); 4 tablespoons olive oil; Salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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If you’re looking to brighten up your weeknight dinners with something irresistibly tasty and comfortingly simple, this Baked Feta Pasta is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture this: juicy, blistered cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, melting feta cheese that turns luxuriously creamy, and perfectly cooked pasta all mingling together into a vibrant, flavorful dish. It’s a recipe that manages to feel both fancy and totally doable, making it an absolute must-try whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe showcases how just a handful of ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Each element plays a key role—from the tangy feta that forms the rich base of your sauce, to the bright cherry tomatoes that add sweetness and color, and the garlic that brings everything to life with a subtle kick.

Feta Cheese (200 g): Use a good-quality block for the best creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes (400 g): Their natural sweetness deepens beautifully as they roast and burst.
Pasta (300 g): Penne or fusilli work perfectly to hold the sauce in every nook and cranny.
Olive Oil (4 tablespoons): A smooth, fruity extra virgin oil elevates the dish’s richness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic adds a wonderful savory aroma and depth.
Salt: Season carefully to balance the tartness of the cheese and tomatoes.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth.
Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little bit of heat to contrast the creamy sauce.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright, aromatic leaves for garnish that lift the whole dish.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds an extra cheesy, nutty layer if you want to amp up the flavor.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly in a large baking dish, drizzle with half the olive oil, and season generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. This initial step sets the stage for juicy, tangy tomatoes that create the perfect backdrop for the creamy feta.

Step 2: Add the Feta and Final Drizzle

Place a whole block of feta right in the center of your tomato bed. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the cheese and crack a bit more black pepper on top. The cheese will slowly soften and develop a golden, luscious top as it bakes alongside the tomatoes.

Step 3: Bake Until Blissful

Pop your baking dish into the oven for about 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens: the tomatoes get blistered and start releasing their juices, while the feta becomes soft and perfectly golden. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese looks creamy and the tomatoes are bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your feta and tomatoes are working their magic, boil your pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain well and reserve for the next step. The contrast of the firm pasta texture with the creamy sauce makes each bite a real treat.

Step 5: Combine and Flavor

When your feta-tomato bake is ready, remove it from the oven and immediately add the minced garlic. Stir everything together gently to create a velvety, cohesive sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix it all until your noodles are perfectly coated in that rich, tangy creaminess.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your Baked Feta Pasta by garnishing with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of herbal brightness. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top to introduce a salty, nutty dimension. Serve straightaway while the flavors are vibrant and the textures divine.

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh basil is an absolute must for Baked Feta Pasta; it adds a gorgeous pop of green and an aromatic lift that balances the creamy tanginess of the sauce beautifully. If you want to push it a bit further, freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil can add a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables can bring an extra dimension of freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also pair wonderfully, perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta straight from the baking dish to keep things cozy and casual, or plate individual portions with fresh basil on top for a gorgeous presentation. You can even add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch or a squeeze of lemon for a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Feta Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, and you can simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave for a quick, comforting meal.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Baked Feta Pasta, it’s best to freeze the pasta and sauce separately to maintain the best texture. Stored properly in a freezer-safe container, it can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the pasta from drying out. Give everything a gentle stir until warmed through, and finish with fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a revitalized dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for Baked Feta Pasta?

Feta is key for the signature tangy, creamy texture of this dish, but if needed, halloumi or ricotta can be experimented with, although the flavor and consistency will differ.

Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Absolutely! Just swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go without compromising on flavor.

Can I make Baked Feta Pasta vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan feta substitute and your favorite plant-based pasta, and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese for a similar taste experience.

How spicy is Baked Feta Pasta with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a pleasant warmth, but you can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance, or leave them out entirely for a milder dish.

Can I add other vegetables to the bake?

Definitely! Zucchini, bell peppers, or olives work beautifully roasted alongside the tomatoes and feta, adding texture and extra flavor layers.

Final Thoughts

Baked Feta Pasta is one of those rare recipes that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort, making it both a crowd-pleaser and a comforting weeknight staple. Everyone deserves a dish that feels special but never complicated, and this is exactly that. Once you try this joyful marriage of creamy cheese, roasted tomatoes, and tender pasta, it’ll quickly become your go-to for an effortless, satisfying meal. Trust me, your kitchen is about to get a lot more delicious!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 12 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful one-pan dish combining creamy baked feta cheese with roasted cherry tomatoes and al dente pasta. This easy Mediterranean-inspired recipe melds creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for baking the tomatoes and feta.
Prepare Tomatoes: Place the cherry tomatoes evenly in a large baking dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This helps to enhance their natural sweetness as they roast.
Add Feta: Position the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta and sprinkle a bit more black pepper for extra flavor.
Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and feta is softened and golden, indicating it’s ready to be mixed.
Cook Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside.
Combine Garlic: After baking, remove the dish from the oven and add the minced garlic. Stir thoroughly until the feta becomes creamy and combines with the roasted tomatoes, creating a lush sauce.
Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss well to coat each piece with the creamy feta-tomato mixture.
Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and optional grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness and flavor.

Notes

Use good quality feta for the creamiest texture.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta variety.
You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or small heirloom tomatoes.
Ensure pasta is drained well to avoid watering down the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Boiling
Cuisine: Mediterranean