Baked Feta Pasta with Noodles

This baked feta pasta is a delicious and easy dish that combines creamy feta cheese with tender noodles and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that can be prepared in just one pan.

The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or protein. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dinner.

Ingredients That Shine

This baked feta pasta showcases a delightful combination of ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish. At the heart of this recipe is a block of creamy feta cheese, which melts beautifully when baked, providing a rich and tangy flavor.

Surrounding the feta are juicy cherry tomatoes, which burst with sweetness as they roast. The addition of minced garlic and a drizzle of olive oil enhances the overall taste, while dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Fresh basil or parsley serves as a vibrant garnish, adding a pop of color and freshness to the final presentation.

Simple Preparation Steps

Preparing this dish is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Nestle the block of feta cheese right in the center, allowing it to absorb all the delicious flavors.

Once everything is in place, bake the dish for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes will blister, and the feta will soften, creating a creamy sauce that will coat the pasta perfectly.

Cooking the Pasta

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your choice of pasta according to the package instructions. Opt for penne or fusilli, as they hold onto the sauce beautifully. Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to be combined with the flavorful sauce.

This step ensures that the pasta is perfectly timed with the baking process, allowing for a seamless transition from oven to table.

Bringing It All Together

After removing the baking dish from the oven, it’s time to create that luscious sauce. Use a fork to mash the softened feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes and garlic, resulting in a creamy, flavorful base.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together, ensuring that each noodle is coated in the rich sauce. This step is crucial for achieving a well-balanced flavor in every bite.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, transfer the baked feta pasta to rustic bowls, garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can be added for an extra kick.

This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to impress.

Nutrition and Enjoyment

This baked feta pasta serves four, making it an ideal choice for family meals or dinner parties. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories, with a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein.

Enjoy this vibrant dish warm, savoring the creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs that come together to create a delightful culinary experience. Whether you’re a pasta lover or simply looking for a new dish to try, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Easy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

This baked feta pasta features a block of feta cheese surrounded by cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, all baked until creamy. Tossed with cooked noodles, it creates a comforting dish that serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli work well)
• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Combine: Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes and garlic to create a creamy sauce.
6. Toss: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 400kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g