Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s impossibly creamy, bursting with vibrant flavors, and incredibly simple to make, then this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy grape tomatoes roasting until they burst with sweetness, mingling with rich, tangy feta cheese that softens into a luscious sauce. Toss that with al dente bow tie pasta and fresh basil, and you’ve got a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that takes almost no effort but delivers maximum deliciousness every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a star role, coming together to create an irresistible blend of textures and flavors. From the juicy tomatoes to the creamy feta, the olive oil’s richness to the brightness of fresh basil, these simple components are all essential for that perfect harmony.

• 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness soften and release juices that create the base of our sauce.
• 1 (8 oz) block of feta cheese: The tangy, salty cheese that melts down to a creamy, dreamy sauce.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that adds depth and an herbal aroma.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering.
• 5 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps the tomatoes roast beautifully.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil: Provides a fresh, peppery finish and vibrant color.
• 12 oz bow tie pasta: Perfectly shaped to hold onto the sauce, making every bite flavorful.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the tomatoes to roast gently and the feta to soften without drying out, setting the stage for a perfect sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the tomatoes

Place your grape tomatoes in a medium-sized baking dish, spreading them evenly. Their natural juices will mingle and intensify as they roast, creating a flavorful base for your sauce.

Step 3: Add the feta cheese

Position the block of feta right in the center of the tomatoes. This placement lets the cheese warm through and soften while the tomatoes roast around it, making sure both components blend beautifully later on.

Step 4: Drizzle with olive oil

Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil evenly over the tomatoes and feta. The oil helps everything roast to perfection and adds that luscious mouthfeel essential for this dish’s rich flavor.

Step 5: Season the mixture

Sprinkle Italian seasoning and salt evenly across the dish. These simple seasonings bring out the best in the tomatoes and feta, giving your sauce a depth of flavor that tastes homemade and comforting.

Step 6: Add more olive oil over feta

Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil right over the top of the feta. This step ensures the cheese melts into a velvety sauce instead of drying out.

Step 7: Bake until bubbly and soft

Pop the baking dish into the oven for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst open, releasing their juicy sweetness, and the feta has softened to a spreadable creaminess.

Step 8: Stir to combine

Remove the dish from the oven and stir the softened feta with the bursting tomatoes. You’ll be amazed at how this simple mix turns into a rich sauce that perfectly coats your pasta.

Step 9: Add fresh basil

Mix in the chopped fresh basil right away. Its fresh herbaceous notes lift the dish, balancing out the richness while adding a lovely splash of green.

Step 10: Mix with cooked pasta

Toss in your cooked bow tie pasta, stirring until every piece is luxuriously coated with the creamy tomato-feta sauce. This is the moment all those simple flavors come alive together.

Step 11: Serve hot and enjoy!

Serve your baked feta pasta immediately while it’s warm, creamy, and comforting. Get ready for compliments and requests for seconds!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe even further, sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves or some cracked black pepper on top right before serving. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, perfect if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread is also a fantastic choice if you want something to mop up every last bit of that sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the baked feta pasta in individual bowls topped with a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch or a scattering of grated Parmesan cheese for extra umami. For a stunning presentation, add a few roasted cherry tomatoes on top to highlight the vibrant colors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even more overnight, and it will keep well for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze baked feta pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container, keeping the pasta and sauce together. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, but note the pasta texture may soften slightly after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure the dish heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is great because it holds the sauce in its folds, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti would work wonderfully too. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil, but add it earlier in the cooking process to release its flavor. Alternatively, fresh parsley or even oregano can add a lovely herbal note.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute the feta with a vegan cheese alternative that melts well, and use nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor. The roasted tomatoes and herbs will still bring amazing taste and aroma.

Can I add other vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Sliced zucchini, spinach, or even roasted bell peppers make excellent additions. Just add them before baking or stir in spinach after baking so it wilts gently.

How do I make the dish less salty?

Feta can be quite salty, so you might want to reduce the added salt or rinse the feta lightly before baking if you prefer milder seasoning. Adjust salt to taste once everything is combined.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is a delicious example of how a handful of simple ingredients can come together to make something truly special. It’s easy to prepare, full of bold flavors, and just plain comforting. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it becomes a staple for your weeknight dinners or whenever you need a tasty, fuss-free meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

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