Baked feta pasta is one of those magical dishes that has taken the culinary world by storm. It’s a beautiful amalgamation of luscious baked feta cheese, juicy grape tomatoes, and delightful pasta that comes together in a way that is unbelievably satisfying. The creamy, tangy feta melds with sweet roasted tomatoes and aromatic garlic, creating a sauce that’s practically begging to be tossed with your favorite pasta. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that wraps you in warmth, making it perfect for cozy evenings when all you want is comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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
Recipe FAQs
Baked Feta Pasta

I first stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a lazy weekend at home, scrolling through social media. The vibrant colors and delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen drew me in, and I couldn’t resist giving it a try. What I found was a simple, yet elegant dish that turned out to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fantastic option for weeknight dinners but also impressive enough for special occasions. Trust me when I say this baked feta pasta will dance its way into your heart—and your dinner table—keeping you and your loved ones coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: In just about an hour, you can prepare a wholesome meal that looks and tastes gourmet.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of roasted tomatoes, creamy feta, and fresh herbs creates an explosion of flavor with every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The colorful presentation makes it perfect for serving at dinner parties or family gatherings.
Flexible Serving: Great as a main dish or a side, this pasta pairs well with everything from grilled chicken to a simple green salad.
Diet-Friendly Options: Can be adjusted to suit vegetarian diets, and gluten-free pasta can be used for a gluten-free option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

20 oz grape tomatoes: Burst with sweetness and color, these little gems are the backbone of the dish. Feel free to substitute with cherry tomatoes if you like.
5 medium garlic cloves, peeled and halved: Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness. Fresh garlic yields the best flavor, but pre-minced garlic can be a time-saver.
8 oz spinach, roughly chopped (about 8 packed cups): Adds nutrition and a vibrant green color. You can swap it with kale if you prefer a heartier feel.
1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced: The bright flavor of basil enhances the dish. Dried basil can work in a pinch, but fresh is best.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced: A fresh herb that complements the feta and tomatoes beautifully. Feel free to use more if you’re a parsley fan!
7-8 oz block feta cheese (sheep’s milk variety), drained: The star of the show; its creamy texture and tangy flavor is irreplaceable. Cow’s milk feta can be used, but sheep’s milk feta brings a richer taste.
10 oz dry pasta: Choose campanelle, rigatoni, or whatever you have on hand; it’ll hold the sauce beautifully.
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil: This adds richness and helps the feta melt just right. Don’t skip this for an enjoyable texture.
1 tbsp salt for pasta water: Enhances the pasta flavor. Make sure your water is salty like the sea!
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a nice kick. Adjust to your taste preference or omit if you like it milder.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
1/2 cup reserved pasta water: This will help thicken and create a luscious sauce.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees. This is essential for roasting those tomatoes and garlic to perfect tenderness.

Combine Ingredients: Throw the grape tomatoes and halved garlic cloves into a 3-quart baking dish. Drizzle them with 1/2 cup of extra-virgin olive oil along with a few generous pinches of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the drained block of feta cheese right in the center, ensuring it’s well-coated with oil.

Bake and Roast: Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes burst and look beautifully roasted!

Adjust and Elevate: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven, then raise the oven rack to the upper third and turn the temperature up to 450 degrees. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until everything is browned slightly and fragrant.

Boil the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are roasting to perfection, boil your pasta in a large pot of salted water (1 tbsp salt for 3 to 4 quarts of water) until it’s al dente, as instructed on the pasta package.

Add Spinach: Just before draining, add your 8 oz of roughly chopped spinach to the pasta. This will wilt it almost instantly. Drain the pasta and spinach together so they meld.

Mash the Mixture: Utilizing the back of a wooden spoon, smash together the roasted tomatoes, garlic, oil, and feta until they form a creamy sauce. You want that luscious texture to coat your pasta beautifully.

Toss to Combine: Finally, toss the al dente pasta and wilted spinach in with the creamy mixture, adding in 1/4 cup freshly sliced basil, 2 tbsp minced parsley, and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.

Adjust Texture: If the mixture seems thick, rehydrate it with a few tablespoons of your reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Always be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed. Serve your amazing baked feta pasta warm!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftovers of this baked feta pasta, let it cool completely before transferring it into an air-tight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a few hours, but for longer storage, put it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For freezing, pack it into a freezer-safe container or bag, where it will keep well for about three months. To reheat, simply use a microwave or warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to restore its creamy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your pasta; al dente will ensure it holds up when tossed with the sauce.
Make sure to incorporate the pasta water slowly; too much can make your dish runny.
Use fresh herbs if possible for more vibrant flavors—substituting dried herbs often dulls the taste.
If you’re making this ahead, it’s best to store the pasta sauce separately from the pasta for optimal texture.
Experiment with other vegetables! Roasted bell peppers or zucchini can add even more heartiness.

Baked feta pasta beautifully combines ease and flavor, making it perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings with friends. With simple ingredients and an inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen, this dish promises memorable meals and joyful moments. Try your hand at this crowd-pleaser, embrace your creativity, and enjoy the delicious results that might just become a new favorite in your recipe collection!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! While feta brings a unique flavor and creaminess, you can substitute with goat cheese or even a ricotta for different textures. Do remember, though, that feta has a tangy edge that’s quite special, so the flavor will alter.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

No problem! Simply swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta options, such as brown rice or chickpea pasta. Just keep an eye on cooking times as gluten-free pasta can vary.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

You can make the roasted tomato and feta mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge, then simply reheat it when ready to serve. Cook the pasta and combine it just before serving to ensure it stays fresh.

What sides pair well with baked feta pasta?

This dish is wonderfully versatile! Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or some grilled chicken for added protein. It makes for a fulfilling meal on its own but can also be part of a bigger spread.

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Baked Feta Pasta

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Author: Danae
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 5 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean

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Description

Baked Feta Pasta is a flavorful and easy meal featuring fresh tomatoes, creamy feta, and wilted spinach. Perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying comfort food!

Ingredients

Scale

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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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
In a 3-quart baking dish, combine grape tomatoes and garlic, and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes, turning to coat with oil.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, remove the dish and increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees F. Move the rack to the upper third of the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes and cheese start to brown.
While the feta is baking, cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Add the spinach to the boiling pasta in the final moments of cooking to wilt it, then drain the pasta and spinach together.
Smash the tomatoes, garlic, oil, and feta together with a wooden spoon. Toss the pasta mixture with this blend along with basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Adjust the consistency by adding reserved pasta water a little at a time. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve warm.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes for heat preference.