![- 200g penne pasta - 200g block of feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) - Calories per serving: Approximately 500 calories - Macronutrient breakdown: - Carbohydrates: 60g - Fat: 25g - Protein: 15g Baked feta pasta has become a popular dish for a reason. The creamy, tangy feta blends perfectly with sweet tomatoes. The garlic adds depth, while the red pepper flakes give it a kick. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a vibrant meal. When you make this dish, you get a balance of flavors and textures. The pasta gives you that comforting chew. The feta melts into a creamy sauce that coats every bite. This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it great for family dinners or special occasions. For those who want more details, the Full Recipe includes step-by-step instructions to guide you. Enjoy the ease of this meal and the satisfaction of its taste! 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will help cook the tomatoes and feta just right. 2. In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, and olive oil. Mix well. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well coated. 1. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mix. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta. This will add flavor as it bakes. 2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. The tomatoes should burst, and the feta will turn soft and golden. 3. While your feta and tomatoes bake, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. 1. Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to crumble the feta cheese. Mix it with the tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. 2. Add the cooked penne pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy your Baked Feta Pasta! Check [Full Recipe] for more details. How to achieve the perfect creamy sauce To get that creamy sauce, crumble the feta cheese right after baking. Mix it well with the tomatoes. The heat from the tomatoes helps to melt the feta. This makes a rich, smooth sauce that coats the pasta nicely. Best practices for cooking pasta al dente Cook your penne pasta in boiling water until it is al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions for timing. Drain it quickly and do not rinse. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. Ideas for side dishes Pair your baked feta pasta with a fresh green salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works well. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for extra flavor. Recommended beverages to pair with the meal A light white wine like Pinot Grigio goes great with this dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic, try sparkling water with a slice of lemon. Both drinks enhance the flavors of the pasta. Avoiding overcooking the feta Watch the feta while it bakes. If it cooks too long, it can become too soft or dry. You want it golden and creamy, not burnt. Ensuring the pasta is well coated When mixing the pasta with the sauce, be sure to toss it well. This way, every piece of pasta gets a good amount of sauce. If needed, add a bit of pasta water to help combine the sauce better. {{image_2}} You can change cheese types for a twist. Try goat cheese for tang. Cream cheese gives a rich texture. For pasta, use farfalle or spaghetti instead of penne. You can also add zucchini or spinach for more veggies. Boost flavor with herbs like thyme or rosemary. A sprinkle of lemon zest brightens the dish. Want protein? Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty meal. These options make the dish more filling and tasty. For a gluten-free meal, swap penne with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good options. If you're vegan, replace feta with a plant-based cheese. You can also skip cheese and use a creamy cashew sauce. These changes keep the dish delicious and satisfying. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe. To store your baked feta pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track its freshness. Yes, you can freeze baked feta pasta! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This method helps keep it creamy. When reheating, avoid drying out your pasta. Adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water helps. Stir the dish gently to mix the sauce back in. For an extra pop of flavor, add fresh basil or a sprinkle of cheese. This makes your leftovers feel special again! Enjoy your meal with these tips. Don't forget to check the Full Recipe for more details. Baked feta pasta is a simple dish that became popular on social media. It combines feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta. The cheese gets creamy while baking, mixing with the tomatoes for a rich sauce. This dish has roots in Greek cuisine, but it quickly caught on worldwide. People love its ease and flavor. You can whip it up in just 40 minutes. Yes, you can meal prep baked feta pasta. To do this, you can bake the feta and tomatoes a day before. Store them in the fridge, covered. When you're ready to eat, cook the pasta and combine it with the baked mixture. It keeps well for up to three days in the fridge. Just reheat it gently to enjoy. Baked feta pasta can be healthy with some tweaks. Feta cheese offers protein and calcium, while tomatoes give vitamins. For a lighter version, use less cheese or whole-grain pasta. You can add veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrients. Adjusting the oil can also cut calories. This dish can fit well in a balanced diet. Check the Full Recipe for tasty ideas. This baked feta pasta brings simplicity and flavor together. You learned about its key ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips. I shared variations to make it your own and how to store leftovers. Enjoying this dish can be easy and enjoyable. Remember, you can customize it with different flavors or ingredients. Make it fit your taste. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy. Now, go cook and share this tasty meal with friends!](https://chellesrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/66f19e98-7d67-4c87-9564-562fcb918320-250x250.webp)
Baked Feta Pasta
Indulge in the Baked Feta Pasta Extravaganza that’s taking the culinary world by storm! This easy and delicious recipe combines creamy feta, burst cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked penne for a mouthwatering dish everyone will love. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Click to explore this delightful recipe and elevate your pasta game today!