This dish is the definition of comfort food with minimal effort. It requires just a handful of ingredients, a single baking dish, and less than an hour from start to finish. The oven does most of the work by roasting the tomatoes and softening the feta into a creamy sauce. Plus, it’s easy to customize with added veggies, protein, or different types of pasta, making it a versatile go-to recipe.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cherry tomatoes block of feta cheese garlic cloves olive oil salt black pepper dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional) pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta) fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves.
Drizzle everything generously with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden on top.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain the rest.
Once the feta and tomatoes are done, use a spoon to mash them together in the dish to create a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the dish and stir everything together. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Preparation time: 5 minutes Cook time: 35 minutes Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
Add protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
Use different cheese: Try goat cheese or Boursin for a unique twist.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers before baking.
Add vegetables: Spinach, kale, zucchini, or bell peppers can be stirred in for added nutrition.
Try different pasta: Use gluten-free pasta, whole wheat, or even gnocchi.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a saucepan over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
What type of feta works best for this recipe?
Use a block of full-fat feta cheese packed in brine. It melts better and has a creamier texture compared to crumbled feta.
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
While it’s not ideal, you can use crumbled feta in a pinch. Just pack it tightly in the center of the dish to mimic the block.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Cherry or grape tomatoes work best because they’re sweet, juicy, and burst beautifully when roasted.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use a plant-based feta alternative and make sure your pasta is egg-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but for the best texture and flavor, bake and mix the dish just before serving.
How do I prevent the feta from drying out?
Make sure it’s surrounded by enough tomatoes and olive oil, and don’t overbake it.
Is it okay to add more seasoning?
Absolutely. Feel free to adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to your taste.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta shape like rotini, bowtie, or rigatoni will work well.
How do I make it creamier?
Adding a splash of pasta water while mixing helps create a smoother, silkier sauce.
Does this dish freeze well?
It’s best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge. Freezing may change the texture of the feta and tomatoes.
Conclusion
Baked Feta Pasta is the ultimate combination of convenience and flavor. With just a few ingredients and almost no hands-on cooking, you get a creamy, tangy pasta dish that’s satisfying and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner, this trendy yet timeless recipe is sure to be a hit.
Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, tangy one-pan dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a block of feta cheese, all combined with pasta for an easy and indulgent meal.
Ingredients
2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 block (about 8 oz) feta cheese
4 garlic cloves, peeled
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)
12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or any short pasta)
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Add cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves around it.
Drizzle olive oil over everything and season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
While baking, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Remove the dish from the oven and mash the feta, tomatoes, and garlic together into a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the dish and mix well. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning.
Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a block of full-fat feta packed in brine for best results.Customize with added veggies, protein, or different pasta types.Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.To make it vegan, use plant-based feta and egg-free pasta.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
