If you are searching for a dish that brings together simplicity, comfort, and bold Mediterranean flavors, look no further than this delightful Baked Feta Pasta Recipe. This recipe combines juicy roasted grape tomatoes bursting with sweetness and a creamy, tangy block of baked feta cheese, all tossed lovingly with perfectly cooked bow tie pasta. The result is a crowd-pleasing, irresistibly creamy pasta that is effortlessly elegant and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish to impress guests, this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe plays a starring role in creating layers of flavor and texture. The beauty is in the simplicity—fresh, vibrant tomatoes, creamy feta, fragrant basil, and olive oil combine to make a meal that tastes far more complicated than the few ingredients suggest.
- Grape tomatoes (2 ½ cups): They roast down to a sweet, juicy base that infuses the sauce with fresh tomato goodness.
- Feta cheese (1 block, 8 oz): The creamy and slightly salty heart of the sauce that bakes until golden and melty.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A pinch of herbs that adds aromatic depth and classic Mediterranean flair.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, bringing harmony to the dish.
- Olive oil (5 tablespoons): Rich and fruity, it helps roast the tomatoes and blend the flavors into a silky sauce.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a bright, herbal lift right at the end for freshness and color.
- Bow tie pasta (12 oz): The perfect shape for catching that creamy sauce and delivering comfort with every bite.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Get your oven warmed up to 400°F (200°C). This is key to roasting the tomatoes perfectly and softening the feta cheese into a luscious sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
In a large baking dish, toss the grape tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the salt, and Italian seasoning. This simple toss coats every tomato and infuses them with flavor before roasting.
Step 3: Add the Feta
Place the entire block of feta cheese right in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta, so it bakes into a silky, golden crust that’s ready to be mashed into sauce.
Step 4: Bake
Pop your baking dish into the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst from the heat and the feta is soft, warm, and starting to turn a beautiful golden brown.
Step 5: Prepare the Pasta
While the tomatoes and feta are roasting, cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Drain it and keep it warm, so it’s ready to scoop up that creamy sauce.
Step 6: Mash and Mix
Once baked, take your dish out of the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and burst the tomatoes further. This creates an irresistibly creamy, richly flavored sauce that immediately beckons your spoon.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked bow tie pasta directly into the baking dish. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure each piece of pasta is generously coated with the luscious baked feta and roasted tomato sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Finish by stirring in the chopped fresh basil which adds a burst of vibrant, herbal freshness. Give the pasta one last toss and serve it immediately, garnished with extra basil if you wish. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a classic garnish that lighten and brighten the dish, but feel free to sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for a mild kick or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for added richness. A scattering of toasted pine nuts can add a delightful crunch, too.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines as a main event but pairs beautifully with simple green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic bread that soaks up any leftover sauce. Roasted or grilled vegetables also complement the Mediterranean flair perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation, serve the pasta in a large, rustic ceramic bowl and garnish with basil sprigs and a wedge of lemon for zest. You could also plate individual portions with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elegant touch that wows at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Baked Feta Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining most of its creamy goodness and flavor.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month, but note the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve the texture and creaminess of the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is traditional and holds the sauce beautifully, penne, fusilli, or rigatoni also work great as they capture that creamy sauce well.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
You can substitute the feta with a vegan feta alternative or a tofu-based cheese and adjust seasoning to maintain the tangy flavor, but the original Baked Feta Pasta Recipe’s charm lies in its creamy, authentic feta cheese.
How do I know when the feta and tomatoes are perfectly baked?
The tomatoes should be visibly bursting and juicy, while the feta cheese turns soft and golden on top. This usually takes about 35-40 minutes at 400°F.
Can I add other ingredients like garlic or onions?
Definitely! Roasted garlic or caramelized onions can add extra depth, but keep in mind the classic recipe’s beauty is its simplicity. Add extras if you’re feeling adventurous!
What wine pairs well with Baked Feta Pasta Recipe?
A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruity rosé pairs perfectly, balancing the creaminess and the tomato’s acidity for a delightful meal experience.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined with a little love and care, can create a meal that feels memorable and special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with friends, this dish promises comforting, vibrant flavors that linger happily on the palate. Give it a try and watch it become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring roasted grape tomatoes and creamy baked feta cheese mixed with bow tie pasta. This simple, one-dish pasta recipe comes together easily in the oven, creating a luscious tomato feta sauce that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual dinner with friends.
Ingredients
Produce
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Dairy
- 1 (8 oz) brick of feta cheese
Pantry
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tomatoes and feta cheese, ensuring proper cooking temperature and time.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, place the washed grape tomatoes. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them, then sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them evenly with the oil and seasonings.
- Add the Feta: Place the entire block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish among the tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta to help it become soft and golden as it bakes.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes until the tomatoes burst open and the feta turns soft and lightly browned, creating a creamy texture.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and keep it warm for combining later.
- Mash and Mix: Remove the baking dish from the oven once the tomatoes and feta are done. Using a fork, mash the feta cheese and burst the tomatoes to form a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish with the feta-tomato sauce. Toss everything together gently to evenly coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, toss once more, and serve immediately. Garnish with extra basil if desired for added freshness and aroma.
Notes
- You can substitute grape tomatoes with cherry tomatoes if unavailable.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes before baking.
- Make sure to keep the pasta warm to ensure it incorporates well with the warm sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for a larger crowd by using a bigger baking dish and more ingredients.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
