Baked Feta Pasta Delight

$- 200g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended) - 200g feta cheese block - 300g cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste I love how simple yet flavorful this dish is. The pasta provides a great base. You can choose either penne or fusilli; both work wonderfully. The feta cheese is the star here. Its creamy texture brings everything together. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. I prefer halving them for even roasting. Garlic gives a lovely aroma and depth of flavor, so don’t skip it! Olive oil is essential. It helps everything cook evenly and adds richness. Dried oregano gives that classic Italian vibe. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are perfect. You can adjust them based on your taste. Fresh basil is a must for garnish. It brightens up the dish and adds freshness. Lastly, salt and pepper balance the flavors. This combination creates a delightful dish that is hard to resist! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). - In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and dried oregano. First, you want to get the oven nice and hot. Preheating helps the tomatoes blister and the feta melt perfectly. After that, mix the cherry tomatoes with garlic and oregano in your baking dish. The sweet tomatoes and garlic will create a great flavor base. - Drizzle olive oil and season the mixture. - Place feta cheese in the center and drizzle with remaining olive oil. - Bake for about 25-30 minutes. Next, drizzle half of the olive oil over your mix. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. The feta goes right in the middle. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top. Bake it in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the tomatoes to blister and the feta to turn golden. - Cook pasta until al dente and drain it. - Mash feta and tomatoes after baking. - Toss pasta with the creamy sauce. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, so it has a little bite. Once your feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, use a fork to mash them together. This creates a creamy sauce. Toss the cooked pasta in the baking dish with the sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that rich, creamy goodness. Adjust seasoning if needed. To get the best results, watch your bake time closely. Bake the feta and tomatoes for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the tomatoes to blister. The feta should be golden and melting. Check on it halfway through. This way, you can avoid overcooking. Overcooked tomatoes can become mushy. Overcooked feta can lose its rich creamy texture. Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes. If you like it spicy, add more. If not, use less. You can also try other spices. Consider using Italian herbs, like thyme or rosemary. These will add new flavors to your dish. Garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. This adds color and a fresh taste. For plating, use a wide bowl. This allows the creamy sauce to spread nicely. You can sprinkle some extra red pepper flakes on top for an extra kick. Enjoy the beautiful colors and aroma of your dish! Pro Tips Use High-Quality Feta: Opt for Greek feta cheese for the best flavor and creaminess, as it melts beautifully and enhances the dish. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the mix for added color and nutrition. Adjust Spice Levels: If you enjoy heat, consider increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce to the dish before serving. Fresh Basil vs. Dried: Always use fresh basil for garnishing to elevate the flavor, but if unavailable, dried basil can be used during cooking. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this dish. Goat cheese or ricotta works great too. They add a different taste and texture. You can also try mixing in veggies. Zucchini and bell peppers bring fresh flavors. Cut them into small pieces and add them to the mix. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many good choices are available today. For vegans, there are plant-based cheeses that work well. You can even skip the cheese and add more veggies to keep it tasty. To brighten the dish, add lemon zest or juice. It lifts the flavors and adds a nice zing. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. They give your dish a new twist and make it extra special. To keep your Baked Feta Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after it cools. This helps keep the flavors strong. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely. Then, put it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. This makes it last longer. Baked Feta Pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it’s best to toss it. Trust your senses to keep food safe. To reheat your pasta, the oven is best for texture. Preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. Always add a splash of water to keep it moist. If you cannot find feta, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both offer a creamy texture. You can also use vegan feta for a dairy-free option. Each choice brings its unique flavor. Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead. Bake the feta and tomatoes, then store them. Cook the pasta just before serving for the best taste. This recipe is already vegetarian! The feta cheese and vegetables make it hearty. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you add are also vegetarian. Penne or fusilli works best due to their shape. They hold the creamy sauce well. You can use other pasta shapes like rotini if you prefer. Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost. Just mix them in when you combine the pasta with the feta and tomatoes. This baked feta pasta is easy and fun to make. You learned the key ingredients, steps, and how to store leftovers. With simple swaps, you can make it your own. The options are endless, whether you prefer gluten-free or vegan. Remember to garnish with fresh basil for a great look. Enjoy this dish warm or as a cold salad. With just a few techniques, you can impress anyone who tries it. Try this recipe, and create a delicious meal for yourself or friends. Happy cooking!$

A delicious baked pasta dish featuring creamy feta cheese and blistered cherry tomatoes.

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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 (your choice, preferably penne or fusilli)
200 g feta cheese block
300 g cherry tomatoes, halved
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Drizzle half of the olive oil over the mixture and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine.
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and melting.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash together the feta and tomatoes until creamy and well combined.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until all the pasta is coated in the creamy feta-tomato sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness.

Keyword baked, easy, feta, pasta, tomatoes