Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Baked Feta Pasta is here to impress! This simple and flavorful dish combines creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta into a delightful meal. Whether you’re a busy parent or a cooking newbie, this recipe is easy to follow. Let’s dive into the ingredients you need and the step-by-step instructions to create this crowd-pleaser!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 10 minutes and baked in 30, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Flavorful Combination: The creamy feta cheese pairs beautifully with the roasted cherry tomatoes, creating a rich and savory sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it your own.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors of the dish and fresh basil garnish make it look and feel special, perfect for serving guests.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
- 200g pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli works well)
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 300g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Measurement Guide
For this recipe, measuring accurately helps. Use a kitchen scale for the pasta and feta. A standard cup works for the olive oil. When measuring dried herbs, a teaspoon is enough for flavor. If you want heat, half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives a nice kick.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can switch out the pasta type if you want. Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. If you have other cheeses, you can use goat cheese or cream cheese instead of feta. For a fresh taste, consider using sun-dried tomatoes. If you dislike garlic, you can leave it out. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also add a different flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for baking the feta and tomatoes just right.
Preparing the Tomato Mixture
In a large baking dish, mix together 300g of halved cherry tomatoes, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Add salt, pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want heat. Toss everything well so the flavors blend.
Baking the Feta and Tomatoes
Now, place a 200g block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Surround it with the tomato mixture. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta. Bake this in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The feta should be soft, and the tomatoes will get blistered.
Cooking the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook 200g of your chosen pasta. Follow the package instructions until it is al dente. Be sure to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.
Combining the Ingredients
Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. Add your cooked pasta to the dish. Stir everything well. If the mixture seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to help it out.
Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. If you like, sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Baking Feta
When you bake feta, use a block, not crumbled cheese. A block melts better. Place it in the center of your dish. Surround it with tomatoes and garlic. This creates a creamy sauce as it bakes. Drizzle olive oil on the feta for more flavor. Bake until soft and slightly golden. This takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
How to Achieve the Perfect Pasta Texture
Cook your pasta until it is al dente. This means it should have a slight bite. Follow the package directions for the best results. Remember to save some pasta water. This starchy water helps mix everything well. If the dish is too thick, add a bit of this water. Stir well to combine.
Flavor Enhancements and Add-ins
To make your dish pop, consider adding extra veggies. Spinach or bell peppers work great. You can also add protein like chicken or shrimp. For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can boost flavor too. Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty touch. Try different combinations to find your favorite!
Pro Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like penne or fusilli that can hold onto the creamy sauce well.
- Customize Your Cheese: Experiment with different cheese varieties like goat cheese or ricotta for a unique flavor twist.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate other vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
- Perfectly Seasoned: Taste and adjust the seasoning after combining the pasta and sauce for a balanced flavor.
Variations
Vegetable Additions
You can easily add veggies to your baked feta pasta. Some great options include spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them up and toss them in with the tomatoes. They will roast nicely and add extra flavor and texture. This way, you boost the nutrition of your meal without much effort.
Protein Boosts
Adding protein can turn this dish into a heartier meal. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work well. Simply mix the cooked protein with the pasta after baking. This adds a nice touch and makes the dish more filling. You can enjoy it as a full meal, packed with taste and nutrients.
Creating a Creamy Sauce
To make your sauce extra creamy, you can add a splash of heavy cream or some cream cheese after baking. Mix it well with the feta and tomatoes. This will give you a rich, velvety texture. For a lighter option, try adding a bit of the reserved pasta water instead. It still creates a great sauce without the extra calories.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your baked feta pasta, let it cool to room temperature. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing portions.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, simply use a microwave or oven. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and heat for one to two minutes. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This keeps your pasta moist and tasty.
Freezing Guidance
To freeze, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently, adding a splash of water if needed.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for Baked Feta Pasta?
You can use any pasta you like. I prefer penne or fusilli. They hold the sauce well. Short pasta shapes are great for this dish. Their ridges catch the creamy feta and tomatoes. You can also try bows or shells for fun shapes.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can swap feta for goat cheese or even cream cheese. Goat cheese gives a tangy taste. Cream cheese will make it very creamy. Just remember, each cheese adds its own flavor. Choose what you like best.
Is Baked Feta Pasta suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for about three days. Just keep it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, warm it up in the oven or microwave. The flavors stay tasty and fresh.
How can I make it spicier?
To add some heat, use more red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh jalapeños or crushed chili peppers. Mix these in with the tomatoes before baking. Taste as you go to find your spice level.
What are some good side dishes to serve with it?
Baked feta pasta pairs well with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette works great. Garlic bread is another tasty choice. You can also serve it with roasted veggies for a healthy side.
We covered a lot about Baked Feta Pasta. We explored key ingredients, measurements, and substitutions. You learned the steps to bake the dish perfectly. I shared tips to enhance the flavor and get the best pasta texture. You can even make variations to suit your taste. Lastly, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers. Baked Feta Pasta is simple, tasty, and fun to make. Enjoy creating your unique dis
Baked Feta Pasta Delight
Ingredients
- 200 g pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli)
- 200 g block of feta cheese
- 300 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
- for serving grated parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until well coated.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are blistered.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, stirring to combine everything. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese if desired.
