Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked shores of Greece with this irresistible Baked Feta Pasta recipe!
This baked feta pasta dish is a glorious fusion of creamy, tangy feta cheese melting into a bed of juicy, burst cherry tomatoes and perfectly al dente pasta. A symphony of Mediterranean flavors that’s both comforting and refreshing!
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and how it transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. With just a handful of quality components and minimal effort, you’ll create a dish that’s visually stunning and packed with the bold, authentic flavors that Greek cuisine is known for.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Baked Feta Pasta will surely become a new favorite in your repertoire!
What is Baked Feta Pasta?
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a modern twist on traditional Greek flavors, bringing together the beloved ingredients of Mediterranean cuisine in a comforting, one-pan dish.
While not a centuries-old traditional recipe, it embodies the spirit of Greek cooking, emphasising fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple preparation methods that allow each component to shine.
“Baked Feta Pasta” gained international popularity through social media, but its roots are firmly planted in Greek culinary traditions.
It showcases feta, Greece’s most famous cheese, in a way that highlights its creamy texture and tangy flavor. Combined with sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fragrant herbs, it creates a sauce that’s quintessentially Greek in its profile.
Baked Feta Pasta perfectly exemplifies the Greek approach to cooking: simple, flavorful and made with love.
This dish is a testament to the versatility of feta cheese, transforming it from a crumbly topping to a luscious, creamy sauce!
What you’ll need to make the best Baked Feta Pasta
To create this delightful Baked Feta Pasta in the most authentic way possible, you’ll want to focus on using high-quality, traditional Greek ingredients.
The star of the show is, of course, the feta cheese. Opt for genuine Greek feta made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. This feta type has a richer, more complex flavor profile and a creamier texture when melted compared to cow’s milk varieties.
For the olive oil, reach for a bottle of extra virgin Greek olive oil. Its fruity, slightly peppery notes will elevate the dish’s overall taste.
Fresh basil is commonly used for herbs, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other Mediterranean herbs like oregano or dill for a more pronounced Greek touch.
Baked Feta Pasta recipe – Key Ingredients
Feta cheese: The heart of this dish. Look for a block of high-quality Greek feta, which should be creamy yet crumbly. Its tangy, salty flavor is essential to the recipe’s success.
Cherry Tomatoes: These little jewels of sweetness are crucial. Opt for ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes that will burst in the oven, releasing their flavor into the sauce.
Pasta: While the recipe is flexible, a short pasta shape like penne or fusilli works best to capture the creamy sauce. For an authentic touch, try Greek pasta varieties like kritharaki (orzo) or hilopites.
Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s not just a cooking medium here but a key flavor component.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor. Don’t be shy about using them!
Herbs: Fresh basil or dill brings a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.
Aleppo Pepper: This Middle Eastern spice adds a mild heat and subtle sweetness. If unavailable, red pepper flakes make a good substitute.
Key Preparation Tips
There are three main steps involved in creating this mouthwatering Baked Feta Pasta:
Bake the feta and vegetables
Cook the pasta
Mix the pasta with the feta and vegetables
Bake the feta and vegetables
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic cloves, Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large baking dish. Place the feta block in the center.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, until feta is slightly charred and tomatoes are soft and bursting.
Cook the pasta
Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Mix the pasta with the feta and vegetables
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Mash the garlic and break up feta with a fork. Add cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Fold in fresh basil or dill just before serving.
How do you make the perfect Baked Feta Pasta?
To achieve the best results with your Baked Feta Pasta, keep these tips in mind:
Choose the right feta: Opt for a high-quality Greek feta made from sheep’s milk or a sheep and goat’s milk blend. It should be creamy yet crumbly for the best melting texture.
Don’t skimp on olive oil: Use plenty of extra virgin olive oil. It’s crucial to create a luscious sauce and prevent the feta from drying out.
Mind your pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will soften slightly with the hot feta mixture. Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I make Baked Feta Pasta ahead of time?
This Baked Feta Pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can prepare components beforehand. Assemble the tomatoes, feta, and seasonings in the baking dish and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed and cook the pasta fresh.
Is Baked Feta Pasta suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This dish is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, use a plant-based feta alternative and ensure your pasta doesn’t contain eggs.
Variations
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
Veggie delight: Toss in roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice it up: Incorporate some Greek spices like oregano or a pinch of cinnamon for an authentic twist.
Cheese swap: Try using a Greek kefalotyri or halloumi block for a different flavor profile.
Serving suggestions
Serve your Baked Feta Pasta with a crisp Greek salad for a refreshing touch. A side of warm, crusty village bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce!
For a more substantial meal, pair it with some grilled Mediterranean vegetables or a serving of Greek-style lemon roasted potatoes (patates lemonates). A chilled glass of Assyrtiko, a crisp white wine from Santorini, makes for an excellent accompaniment to cut through the richness of the dish.
Love feta?
If you love feta cheese as much as I do, then these delicious feta cheese recipes below are made for you! Give them a try and don’t forget to let me know what you think!
Quick and easy Baked Feta pasta! A glorious fusion of creamy feta cheese melting into a bed of juicy cherry tomatoes and perfectly al dente pasta! A symphony of Mediterranean flavors that’s both comforting and refreshing!
Ingredients
Scale
500g-600g cherry tomatoes (roughly 1 lb 4 oz)
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
4 large garlic cloves
1/2 tsp Aleppo pepper or 1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes
In a large baking dish, toss together the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, Aleppo pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, salt a good grind of black pepper, and the garlic cloves, peeled. Place the block of feta in the middle, turning it over so it is well coated in the oil mixture.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the feta is slightly charred, the tomatoes and split and soft, and the garlic cloves are tender.
Halfway through cooking, cook the pasta in a large pan of boiling, salted water as per the packets instructions. Start checking for doneness around the 12 minute mark. Reserve a little of the cooking water before draining the pasta and returning to the cooking pot.
Slice the basil, or chop the dill.
With a fork, crush the garlic cloves before scraping everything in the baking dish into the cooked pasta. Stir, and add a splash of cooking water to help bring the sauce together to your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too loose, simply return the hot to the heat, stirring the pasta until it has reduced.
Fold in the fresh herbs just before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
This baked feta pasta dish does not reheat well, but leftovers are delicious served cold.
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