If you haven’t tried the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe yet, you’re in for a real treat that’s taken kitchens by storm for all the right reasons. This dish perfectly balances the juicy burst of oven-roasted grape tomatoes with the creamy, tangy richness of baked feta, all wrapped up by al dente bow tie pasta. It’s comfort food with a Mediterranean twist that’s as simple to make as it is irresistible to eat—big flavor with minimal fuss. Once you taste it, this dish might just become your new go-to weeknight winner or a stunning dish to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity, where just a handful of pantry staples come together to create an incredible taste and texture. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding delicious layers of flavor, a lovely pop of color, or a silky finish that makes the dish truly shine.
- Grape tomatoes, 2 ½ cups: Their small size means they roast evenly and burst with sweet juiciness that forms the base of the sauce.
- Feta cheese, 8 oz brick: The star of the dish, this tangy, creamy cheese melts beautifully into a luscious sauce.
- Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the flavor profile and adds an aromatic Mediterranean touch.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances all the natural flavors, balancing the sweetness of tomatoes and sharpness of feta.
- Olive oil, 5 tablespoons: Adds richness and helps roast the tomatoes and feta perfectly while imparting a silky texture.
- Fresh basil, ¼ cup chopped: Provides a fresh, peppery finish with a vibrant green color that makes the dish feel lively and fresh.
- Bow tie pasta, 12 oz: Its fun shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Having the right temperature helps the tomatoes roast to a juicy softness and the feta soften to that perfect melty consistency without drying out.
Step 2: Get Your Tomatoes Ready
Place the washed and dried grape tomatoes in a large baking dish, then drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and Italian seasoning before giving everything a gentle toss to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated in herbs and oil. This step ensures every bite carries that festive blend of flavors.
Step 3: Add the Feta Cheese
Pop an entire block of feta cheese right in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the feta, which helps it brown beautifully in the oven while keeping it luscious and creamy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You want to watch for the tomatoes to burst open and the feta cheese to become soft and golden brown. The sight and smell at this point will convince you that deliciousness is well underway.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your tomatoes and feta bake, boil your bow tie pasta according to package instructions. Make sure to drain it well and keep it warm so it’s ready to be tossed into the oven-roasted sauce.
Step 6: Mash and Mix the Sauce
Once the baking dish is out of the oven, grab a fork and mash the feta into a creamy spread, simultaneously bursting the roasted tomatoes to release their juices. This forms the heart of that luscious sauce.
Step 7: Toss Pasta with the Sauce
Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the baking dish, stirring thoroughly to coat every piece with the creamy tomato and feta mixture. This is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a decadently creamy meal.
Step 8: Freshen It Up and Serve
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh basil, adding a vibrant burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Toss everything one last time, then serve immediately to enjoy the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe at its absolute best.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh basil leaves or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice pop of color and flavor contrast. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts on top delivers a lovely richness and crunch.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or lightly sauteed greens like spinach or kale to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty loaves are also fantastic for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, serve the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe straight from the baking dish to keep it warm and casual. Alternatively, plate smaller portions topped with a few whole roasted tomatoes and a fresh basil sprig for a more refined presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce will thicken overnight, but storing it properly keeps the flavors fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftover baked feta mixture (tomatoes and cheese only) in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating, then mix it with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Avoid overheating to keep the feta creamy and the pasta tender.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is great for holding the sauce, penne, rotini, or rigatoni work equally well. Just choose a pasta shape with ridges or twists to catch all that creamy baked feta goodness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
This dish depends heavily on feta cheese for its distinctive flavor and creamy texture. However, you can substitute with a plant-based feta alternative and vegan cheese. Just note that the taste and texture might be a little different.
How spicy is the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe?
The recipe itself is mild and creamy with herbaceous notes. You can easily add some heat by sprinkling in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce according to your preference.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead—like chopping basil and cooking pasta—but baking the tomatoes and feta fresh helps achieve that perfect roasted flavor and creamy sauce texture, so it’s best enjoyed shortly after baking.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp, light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé complements the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes beautifully, enhancing the Mediterranean vibe of the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience the ease and incredible flavor of this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe, it quickly becomes a favorite to turn to time and time again. It’s a wonderful way to bring some sunshine and comfort to your table with minimal effort. So why not give it a try tonight? I promise it will brighten up your dinner routine and charm everyone lucky enough to share in the deliciousness.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and flavorful Baked Feta Pasta combines juicy grape tomatoes roasted to bursting perfection with creamy baked feta cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs and olive oil. Mixed with warm bow tie pasta and fresh basil, it creates a deliciously creamy, tangy, and aromatic dish perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Tomatoes & Cheese
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 1 (8 oz) brick of feta cheese
Seasonings & Oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta & Garnish
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and feta.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, place the grape tomatoes and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning over the tomatoes, then toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add the Feta: Place the 8-ounce block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the feta.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens, developing a light golden brown color on top.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the bow tie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and keep it warm until ready to combine.
- Mash and Mix: Remove the baked dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the softened feta and burst tomatoes together, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked bow tie pasta directly to the baking dish. Toss everything together thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy tomato-feta sauce.
- Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil for a bright, herby note. Give it one last toss and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with extra basil leaves for presentation.
Notes
- You can use cherry tomatoes as a substitute if grape tomatoes are unavailable.
- To make this dish vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Ensure pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushiness upon mixing with the sauce.
- Fresh basil adds brightness; dried basil can be used but is less vibrant.
