Baked Feta Pasta Extravaganza

$- 200g pasta (penne or fusilli works great) - 200g feta cheese (block) - 250g cherry tomatoes (halved) For this recipe, you need a few key items. First, choose your pasta. Penne or fusilli works best. Both shapes hold sauce well and cook evenly. Next, you need feta cheese, which should be in a block. It melts and softens beautifully while baking. Finally, grab some cherry tomatoes. You want to halve them to allow their sweet juices to mix with the feta. - 2-3 cloves garlic (minced) - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) - Grated Parmesan cheese (for topping, optional) Garlic adds depth to your dish. It brings a lovely aroma and flavor. Olive oil is crucial too. It helps to create a rich sauce while roasting the vegetables. Dried oregano adds an earthy note that pairs well with the feta. If you like some heat, add chili flakes. Salt and pepper balance all the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil for a bright touch. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds extra richness, if you choose. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Next, grab a baking dish. Make sure it is large enough for all the ingredients. 1. In your baking dish, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. 2. Add the dried oregano and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper, then stir well. 3. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the mix. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta. 1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes. The tomatoes should blister, and the feta should soften. 2. To ensure the best texture, check that the feta is slightly golden but not burnt. 1. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta. Follow the package instructions to get the timing right. 2. Cook until the pasta is al dente, then drain it and set it aside until the baking is done. 1. Once the baking dish is ready, use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. 2. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. To get the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. The tomatoes should be ripe and sweet. I like to sprinkle a little extra oregano on top before baking. This adds a nice touch. For mashing feta smoothly, use a fork. Start with gentle pressure to break it down. This way, it blends well with the tomatoes. One common mistake is overbaking the feta. Keep an eye on it after 30 minutes. You want it soft, not browned too much. Also, check your ingredient prep. Ensure the garlic is minced well and tomatoes are halved. This helps in even cooking and flavor mixing. For ideal accompaniments, serve the pasta with a side salad. A fresh green salad pairs well. You can also add crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For wine, a crisp white wine works best. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the dish's flavors beautifully. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Using pasta shapes like penne or fusilli helps to trap the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Opt for fresh cherry tomatoes and high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and texture. Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, skip the chili flakes or reduce the amount to suit your taste. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese not only add visual appeal but also enhance the dish's overall flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in baked feta pasta. Try goat cheese for a tangy taste. Creamy ricotta also works well. For a sharper flavor, use aged feta or even a mix of cheeses. You can add more veggies to this dish. Spinach or kale can boost nutrition. Bell peppers add crunch and color. Roasted zucchini or eggplant would also be tasty. Just remember to chop them small so they cook well. If you want a vegan version, use a plant-based feta cheese. You can find many brands that taste great. Also, replace the pasta with whole grains like quinoa for a nutty flavor. For gluten-free options, choose rice pasta or chickpea pasta. Both types hold up well in this dish. Just be sure to cook them al dente for the best texture. Use seasonal produce to enhance the flavors. In summer, fresh basil and ripe tomatoes shine. In fall, add roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts. You can create themed pasta for holidays too. For Christmas, add red and green veggies like red bell peppers and green spinach. For Halloween, consider black olives for spooky fun! To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, follow these steps: - Let the pasta cool completely before storing. - Use an airtight container to prevent moisture loss. - Divide leftovers into smaller portions for easy access. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, use these methods: - Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second bursts. Stir between intervals. - Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 15 minutes until warm. Avoid these common issues: - Overheating can dry out the pasta and cheese. - Stir well to make sure everything heats evenly. Baked feta pasta lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. Look for these signs of spoilage: - Off smell or strange color. - Mold growth on the surface. If you see these, it's best to throw it out. To make baked feta pasta, follow these steps: 1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). 2. Combine ingredients: In a baking dish, mix halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, and optional chili flakes. Add salt and pepper, then stir. 3. Add feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Drizzle more olive oil over the feta. 4. Bake: Put the dish in the oven for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and feta is soft. 5. Cook pasta: While baking, cook 200g of pasta according to the package until al dente. 6. Mash feta: Once the baking is done, use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes. 7. Mix pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until well coated. 8. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, if desired. Yes, you can use different cheeses. Here are some options: - Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. - Ricotta gives a creamy texture. - Cream cheese offers a smooth consistency. - Mozzarella adds a stretchy, melty quality. These alternatives change the taste and texture. Feel free to experiment! For baked feta pasta, I recommend: - Penne: Its tubular shape holds sauce well. - Fusilli: The spirals catch more sauce and cheese. - Rigatoni: Large tubes add a hearty bite. Choose any of these pasta types for a great result. Baked feta pasta can be a healthy choice if you consider some factors: - Feta cheese: It has protein and calcium but is also higher in fat. - Pasta: Whole grain options add fiber. - Tomatoes: They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants. - Olive oil: It's a healthy fat, but use it in moderation. Overall, this dish can fit well into a balanced diet if you control portions and add veggies. This blog post showed you how to make baked feta pasta, starting with ingredients. You learned about pasta types, feta cheese, and essential seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through the baking and combining process. Key tips helped you avoid mistakes and enjoy perfect flavor. Don't hesitate to try variations or different ingredients. With a little creativity, you can enjoy this dish in many ways. Remember, cooking is about having fun and exploring new tastes!$

Baked Feta Pasta Extravaganza

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Ingredients

200 g pasta (penne or fusilli)
200 g feta cheese (block)
250 g cherry tomatoes (halved)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
0.25 cup olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
for topping grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, and chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper, then stir to combine.
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, ensuring it's surrounded by the tomatoes. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Once the baking dish is out of the oven, use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes, mixing them into a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level with chili flakes.

Keyword baked, easy, feta, pasta, tomatoes