Name: Baked Feta Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 20 oz grape tomatoes; 5 medium garlic cloves, peeled and halved; 8 oz spinach, roughly chopped about 8 packed cups; 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced; 7 – 8 oz block feta cheese (sheep's milk variety) drained; 10 oz dry pasta such as campanelle, rigatoni, rotini, penne, bow tie, or cavatappi; 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tbsp salt for pasta water; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or more to taste; salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

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If you’re looking for a dish that’s as delightful to serve as it is to eat, then Baked Feta Pasta is just what you need. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe combines the creamy texture of melted feta cheese with the sweet and tangy burst of grape tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that’s sure to impress. It’s the kind of meal that will leave everyone at the table reaching for seconds, all while being simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Baked Feta Pasta

When I first came across Baked Feta Pasta, I was immediately drawn in by its vibrant colors and the tantalizing aroma that fills the kitchen. The marriage of garlic, fresh herbs, and roasted tomatoes make it not just a meal, but an experience. Lightly tossed with your favorite pasta, this dish is perfect for cozy nights in or casual gatherings with friends. Whether you’re a culinary novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering results every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about an hour, including prep time, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner.
Irresistible Flavor: The tangy, creamy feta paired with the sweetness of roasted tomatoes creates an explosion of flavor that’s hard to resist.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful presentation makes it a dish worth showcasing!
Flexible Serving: Perfect for a cozy dinner or a vibrant party dish, and it’s equally wonderful for meal prep.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets using your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients You’ll Need

20 oz grape tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these tomatoes roast beautifully, offering a burst of flavor.
5 medium garlic cloves, peeled and halved: Garlic brings warmth and depth to the dish, enhancing the overall taste.
8 oz spinach, roughly chopped (about 8 packed cups): This leafy green adds a nutritional punch and a lovely color.
1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced: Basil complements the tomatoes and feta, bringing a fresh, aromatic quality.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced: Parsley adds brightness and a hint of earthiness.
7 – 8 oz block feta cheese (sheep’s milk variety), drained: Choose a high-quality feta for the best flavor; it melts beautifully.
10 oz dry pasta (such as campanelle, rigatoni, rotini, penne, bow tie, or cavatappi): Your choice of pasta shapes makes it fun and versatile.
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps roast the tomatoes and garlic effectively.
1 tbsp salt for pasta water: This is crucial for enhancing the flavor of the pasta as it cooks.
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste): A pinch of heat elevates the dish without overwhelming it.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prepare Baking Dish: In a 3-quart baking dish, combine 20 oz of grape tomatoes and 5 halved garlic cloves. Drizzle them with 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, then sprinkle a few pinches of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the drained 7 – 8 oz block of feta cheese right in the center, ensuring it’s covered in oil.

Bake the Mixture: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll notice the tomatoes starting to burst and become fragrant.

Increase Heat: After 30 minutes, take the baking dish out. Raise the oven rack to the upper third and turn the temperature up to 450 degrees. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the tomatoes and feta are golden and slightly caramelized.

Cook the Pasta: While your feta and tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (use 1 tablespoon of salt for about 3 to 4 quarts of water). Cook your 10 oz of dry pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

Add Spinach: Just before draining the pasta, pour the 8 oz of roughly chopped spinach into the boiling water with the pasta. It will wilt almost instantly! Then, drain the pasta and spinach combination.

Combine Ingredients: Now, return to your baking dish. Using the back of a wooden spoon, smash the roasted tomatoes, garlic, feta, and olive oil together until they form a deliciously creamy sauce.

Mix It All Together: Toss the drained pasta and wilted spinach into this delightful mixture. Add in the 1/4 cup of freshly sliced basil, 2 tbsp minced parsley, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.

Adjust Consistency & Season: Thin the sauce to your preferred consistency by adding a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water. Finally, taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve Warm: Ladle the Baked Feta Pasta into bowls and get ready to enjoy!

Storing & Reheating

To store your Baked Feta Pasta, allow it to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze it, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed throughout or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Just note that reheated pasta may develop a slightly softer texture, so refresh it with a little olive oil or a splash of pasta water.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook a bit in the oven.
Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor; sheep’s milk feta melts beautifully and has a rich taste.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water; it’s vital for achieving the creamy sauce consistency.
Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes for variety—bow ties or cavatappi work especially well.
If you prefer more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Enjoy the enticing flavors and delightful textures of this simple yet impressive meal. Baked Feta Pasta not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings warmth and comfort to any table.

Where Did the Baked Feta Pasta Trend Start?

Baked Feta Pasta gained immense popularity through viral social media posts, particularly on TikTok, where relatable home cooks shared their variations on this dish, captivating audiences worldwide.

Can I Make Baked Feta Pasta Vegan?

Certainly! For a vegan version, simply substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. You might also replace the pasta with a gluten-free option to suit your dietary needs.

How Can I Amp Up the Flavor Even More?

Consider adding other veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for an extra layer of flavor. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also elevate the taste profile significantly.

What Can I Serve with Baked Feta Pasta?

This dish pairs excellently with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or even a light soup for a well-rounded meal. Plus, a glass of white wine complements it beautifully!