Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese; 2 pints cherry tomatoes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and black pepper to taste; 10 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini); 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

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Imagine a dish that’s so vibrant and cozy, you can almost taste the sun-ripened tomatoes and creamy cheese just by glancing at it. That’s exactly what you get with Baked Feta Pasta—a recipe that transforms a handful of simple ingredients into a decadent, crowd-pleasing meal that feels seriously gourmet. Each bite bursts with juicy tomatoes, tangy feta, and aromatic basil, all wrapped around perfectly al dente noodles. Whether you’re treating yourself on a busy weeknight or gathering friends for an impromptu dinner, this easy sensation is sure to win hearts (and appetites) every single time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Feta Pasta lies in its short ingredient list, but don’t let the simplicity fool you—each element brings something essential to the table. Here’s what you’ll need, and how every ingredient works its magic in this beloved plate.

Feta cheese block (8 oz): The superstar—when baked, this salty, tangy cheese turns deliciously creamy and forms the luscious sauce base.
Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): These sweet, juicy gems burst in the oven and create a bright, flavorful sauce when mashed with feta.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps everything caramelize and meld together beautifully as it bakes.
Fresh garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean aroma and an irresistible depth of flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): A kick of heat—just enough to wake up the tomatoes, but feel free to skip or adjust to your spice tolerance.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Bring everything into balance and allow those bold feta notes to shine through.
Pasta (10 oz, such as penne or rotini): The vehicle for all that creamy, tangy goodness; sturdy shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly.
Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): Torn and tossed in at the end for freshness, color, and a fragrant finish.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Assemble

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a medium baking dish, scatter in your cherry tomatoes, and nestle that glorious block of feta cheese right in the center. Drizzle olive oil generously over everything, making sure the cheese and tomatoes are well coated. Next, sprinkle the minced garlic, a touch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous, and finish with a pinch of salt and black pepper. The stage is set for serious flavor!

Step 2: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The transformation is magical: tomatoes blister and burst, the feta softens and turns golden around the edges, and everything combines into a savory, bubbling masterpiece that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Step 3: Cook Your Pasta

While your feta and tomatoes are working their magic in the oven, set a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package’s al dente instructions—remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water before draining. It’ll help bring your sauce together later.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the baking dish comes out of the oven, grab a spoon and give everything a good mash. Break up the feta and squish the tomatoes until they mix into a creamy, aromatic sauce, blending those roasted flavors with olive oil and garlic.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add your cooked pasta straight into the baking dish, along with a splash of reserved pasta water to get things moving. Toss everything well until each noodle is coated in the glossy, cheesy-tomato sauce. Scatter fresh chopped basil over the top, give it one last gentle stir, and your Baked Feta Pasta is ready to serve!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

For a truly stunning finish, pile your Baked Feta Pasta into bowls and shower each serving with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few curls of lemon zest also deliver a pop of color and zing. If you like a little contrast, toss on some pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs for an added crunch.

Side Dishes

This Mediterranean classic pairs beautifully with simple green salads tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, crusty bread to mop up every bit of sauce, or even roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. If you’d like to round out the meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or a platter of marinated olives.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting guests? Serve your Baked Feta Pasta in a big, communal serving dish straight from the oven for maximum wow-factor. Or try plating individual nests of pasta topped with an extra tomato and sprig of basil for restaurant flair. For a fun family-style twist, let everyone top their own bowls with extra herbs, a splash of balsamic, or more red pepper flakes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Feta Pasta can be cooled and tucked away in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors mellow and deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the second (or third!) time around.

Freezing

While the texture of feta cheese softens beautifully after baking, it changes a bit in the freezer. You can freeze leftovers for up to a month, but be aware the sauce may become a bit grainy. Always transfer to a freezer-safe container, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, simply reheat Baked Feta Pasta in the microwave or gently on the stovetop. Splash in a tablespoon or two of water or milk as it warms to help restore that creamy texture. Stir well, and top with fresh basil to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

Absolutely! While a block of feta holds its shape better and bakes up extra creamy, crumbled feta will still deliver that iconic tangy flavor and work beautifully in a pinch.

What pasta shapes work best for Baked Feta Pasta?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal, as they soak up the sauce and capture those bursts of tomato and creamy bits of feta in every forkful.

How can I add protein to this dish?

For a heartier meal, toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas before mixing with the sauce. Baked Feta Pasta is endlessly adaptable to your preferences!

Can I make Baked Feta Pasta gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta—the sauce remains just as luscious and satisfying, with all the classic Mediterranean flavors.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

For a dairy-free version, substitute vegan feta and make sure your pasta is egg-free. There are excellent store-bought vegan feta cheeses that melt nicely and provide that signature creaminess.

Final Thoughts

If ever there was a dish meant to bring people together in smiles, it’s Baked Feta Pasta. With its cheerful colors, big flavors, and nearly foolproof method, this recipe promises joy with every bite. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a plateful of this internet-famous magic—I have a feeling you’ll soon be just as obsessed!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a viral sensation known for its simple yet delicious flavors. Roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese combine to create a rich sauce that perfectly coats every bite of pasta. With a hint of garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes for a kick, this dish is a must-try for any pasta lover.

Ingredients

Scale

Feta Pasta:

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 pints cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Pasta:

10 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Ingredients: In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the tomatoes and feta.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and softened.
Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until al dente, then reserve some pasta water before draining.
Combine: Mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together, add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved water, then toss to combine. Stir in fresh basil before serving.