If you’re ready to transform basic kitchen staples into a meal that feels like a celebration, let me introduce you to Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is a weeknight hero: plump cherry tomatoes roast into sweet, jammy perfection, mingling with creamy, tangy feta to create a sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. With a handful of fresh basil and a kiss of lemon zest, it’s the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down, pour a glass of wine, and savor every forkful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes is about to become your new go-to comfort dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about simple, honest ingredients coming together to make something magical. Each element plays a role in building flavor, color, and texture—so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what you’ll need for the best Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes.
- Pasta: Choose a short shape like penne or fusilli so the sauce can cling to every nook and cranny.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness are perfect for roasting and bursting into the sauce.
- Feta Cheese (block, not crumbled): Baking a whole block gives you that signature creamy, tangy sauce you crave.
- Olive Oil: Adds luxurious richness and helps everything roast to golden perfection.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and depth.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a gentle, warming kick—add more or less to taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance all the flavors.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Chopped basil brings a burst of herby freshness and gorgeous color.
- Lemon Zest (optional): Just a little zest lifts the whole dish, making the flavors pop even more.
How to Make Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and scatter the cherry tomatoes in an even layer. Nestle the block of feta right in the center—this is going to be the star of your creamy sauce. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then sprinkle over the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if you want a little heat), and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Gently toss the tomatoes to coat, but keep that feta block right in the middle so it can soften and brown beautifully as it bakes.
Step 2: Roast the Tomatoes and Feta
Slide the baking dish into the oven and let those ingredients work their magic for 30 to 35 minutes. The cherry tomatoes will start to burst and release their sweet juices, while the feta becomes golden, melty, and irresistibly creamy. Your kitchen will smell incredible—this is the moment you’ll know something special is happening!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your tomatoes and feta are roasting, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions for al dente—tender but with a little bite. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This is your secret weapon for making the sauce silky and luscious later on.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Once the baking dish comes out of the oven, grab a sturdy spoon and mash the feta and roasted tomatoes together right in the dish. You’ll see the cheese melt into the juicy tomatoes, forming a creamy, tangy sauce flecked with garlic and pepper flakes. It’s pure comfort in a pan!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Tip your hot, drained pasta straight into the baking dish with the mashed feta-tomato mixture. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is glossy and coats every noodle. Stir in the chopped fresh basil and lemon zest for a bright, fragrant finish. Taste and adjust the seasoning—then get ready to serve!
How to Serve Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes
Garnishes
A final shower of chopped fresh basil is a must for that pop of color and freshness. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil takes it over the top. A little extra lemon zest on each plate can really brighten things up, too!
Side Dishes
Pair your Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes with a simple green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette or a platter of roasted vegetables. Warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For something heartier, serve with grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, serve the pasta straight from the baking dish family-style, letting everyone dig in. Or, plate individual servings with a swirl of sauce and a scattering of basil. You can even serve Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes cold as a pasta salad for a picnic or potluck—it’s surprisingly delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers extra tasty. Just be sure to cool the pasta completely before sealing it up.
Freezing
While this dish is at its absolute best fresh from the oven, you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture of the feta may change slightly when thawed, but the flavor will still be wonderful.
Reheating
To reheat, simply add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir frequently and heat until just warmed through—you want the sauce to stay creamy and luscious, not dry out.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
A block of feta is highly recommended because it bakes up creamy and smooth, while crumbled feta may not melt as evenly. If you only have crumbled, pack it tightly in the center of the dish for similar results.
What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the baking dish before roasting. These extra veggies will roast alongside the tomatoes and add more color and nutrition to your Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Swap the feta for a vegan feta-style cheese and use your favorite plant-based pasta for a completely vegan version that still delivers on flavor and creaminess.
Can I make Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes gluten-free?
Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap that doesn’t compromise taste or texture.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick or too thin?
The reserved pasta water is your best friend here! Add it gradually as you mix everything together, stopping when your sauce is creamy and perfectly coats the pasta. If you accidentally add too much, just toss in a bit more cheese or pasta.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve tasted Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes, you’ll understand why it’s swept through kitchens everywhere. It’s vibrant, comforting, and so easy to make—just the kind of meal you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again. Give it a try and let it become your own weeknight staple!
Print
Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and flavorful Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes recipe features baked feta cheese blended into a creamy sauce with burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil. A perfect Mediterranean-inspired vegetarian main course that’s both simple and delicious, ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, arrange the cherry tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle olive oil over everything and sprinkle with minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss the tomatoes to coat them evenly without moving the feta cheese from the center.
- Bake the Feta and Tomatoes: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta cheese is golden on top and soft in texture, creating a creamy bake.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine the Sauce and Pasta: Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a spoon to mash the feta and softened tomatoes, mixing to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything together. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency to your liking.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh chopped basil and lemon zest if using for added brightness. Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnished with extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- For additional protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to the dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need a gluten-free dish.
- This pasta dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
