There’s nothing quite like the smell of tomatoes roasting in the oven, mingling with the creamy essence of warm feta. This Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta captures that magic, transforming simple ingredients into a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated. I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week, when I craved a home-cooked meal that wouldn’t take all evening to prepare.
Within just 35 minutes, you can create a hearty family meal that not only satisfies but also sends everyone to the dinner table with eager anticipation. Picture gooey feta melted into a rich sauce, surrounded by sweet, burst cherry tomatoes, and tossed with your favorite pasta—it’s a feast for the senses.
Whether you’re cooking for kids who love to help in the kitchen or for friends who appreciate a good vegetarian dish, this recipe is guaranteed to turn heads and fill bellies. Grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delightful dish that’ll soon become a staple in your home!
Why is Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta so loved?
Simplicity at its Finest: This recipe requires minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
Flavor Explosion: The contrast of creamy feta and sweet, roasted tomatoes creates a delightful, savory dish that everyone will adore.
Family-Friendly: Kids will enjoy both the preparation and the delicious taste, making meal times a joyful family event.
Versatile Options: Easily customize with different pasta types or added veggies, catering to everyone’s preferences.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a time saver for those who still crave homemade goodness.
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this crowd-pleaser!
Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta Ingredients
For the Pasta
• Short Pasta – Choose penne, fusilli, or any shape that captures sauce for maximum flavor. Gluten-free options are available for those with dietary needs.
For the Feta Mixture
• Feta Cheese – Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor; choose vegetarian options if needed.
• Cherry Tomatoes – These little gems burst with sweetness when roasted; any small tomatoes can work here.
• Black Olives – Optional for a briny note; kalamata or green olives are great choices depending on your taste.
• Garlic Cloves – Roasting mellows the sharpness; if time is tight, use pre-minced garlic for convenience.
• Olive Oil – Enhances the roasting process and adds moisture; you can swap in avocado oil if preferred.
For Garnishing
• Basil Leaves – Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma and brightness to the dish; parsley is a nice alternative if needed.
• Black Pepper – A simple yet effective way to add warmth and flavor to your final dish.
Dive into deliciousness with this Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta—a family favorite that never disappoints!
How to Make Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta
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Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6) to ensure a perfect roasting environment for our ingredients.
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Prepare Baking Dish: Place the feta block in the center of a large baking dish, surrounded by the cherry tomatoes, olives, and unpeeled garlic cloves. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
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Roast: Bake your dish for about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns beautifully golden brown. Once done, squeeze and mash the roasted garlic into the mixture for added flavor.
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Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the short pasta according to the package instructions, and remember to reserve a mugful of the pasta cooking water before draining.
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Combine: If your baking dish has enough room, add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved water directly to it, mixing everything together until the feta breaks down and coats the pasta. If needed, this mixing can also be done in the pasta pot for convenience.
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Finish & Serve: Season with freshly cracked black pepper, scatter the basil leaves on top, and then serve the dish hot, allowing everyone to dig in to this comforting meal!
Optional: For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan on top just before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta
• Choose the Right Dish: Ensure your baking dish is large enough; this allows for even roasting and blending of flavors in your baked feta & tomato pasta.
• Perfectly Roasted Feta: Avoid undercooking the feta; a nice blistering effect creates that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, so don’t rush the roasting process!
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep enough reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired sauce consistency; it helps emulsify with the feta for a luscious coating.
• Customize Wisely: Feel free to swap in different pastas or add veggies—cooked spinach or bell peppers can elevate your baked feta & tomato pasta beautifully!
• Fresh is Best: Use fresh basil right before serving; it brings a burst of flavor and aroma that elevates the dish, making it even more enjoyable.
How to Store and Freeze Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water to maintain creaminess.
Freezer: Freeze baked feta & tomato pasta for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: To reheat frozen pasta, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove or in the oven with a cover to prevent drying out.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving leftovers at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with these delightful twists!
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish accessible for everyone without compromising flavor.
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Cheese Swaps: Try goat cheese for a tangy twist or a combination of cheeses for more depth in flavor.
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Veggie Boost: Add spinach or bell peppers for a nutritious and colorful upgrade; these veggies pair beautifully with the feta.
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Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh thyme or oregano instead of basil for a fragrant Mediterranean flair; each herb brings its own essence.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful texture contrast and additional nutty flavors.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for a kick of heat, making your baked feta & tomato pasta an exciting adventure for your taste buds.
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Zesty Citrus: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving for a bright, zesty finish that complements the creaminess beautifully.
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Olive Variety: Swap in sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy burst, creating a new level of flavor complexity in your dish.
What to Serve with Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta?
Creating the perfect meal is all about balance and delightful combinations that elevate your dining experience.
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Garlic Bread: The crunchy texture and aromatic garlic flavors perfectly complement the creamy pasta, making each bite truly irresistible.
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Crisp Green Salad: A refreshing salad with mixed greens dressed lightly will add brightness and crunch, cutting through the rich feta sauce. Toss in cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers roasted till caramelized enhance the Mediterranean vibe and pair beautifully with the pasta. Their sweetness adds another layer of flavor.
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White Wine: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio creates a refreshing contrast to the dish’s creaminess while complementing the savory notes of the feta and tomatoes.
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Pesto Bruschetta: Crispy bread topped with vibrant basil pesto makes for a perfect starter that echoes the flavors in the pasta, drawing everyone into the delicious Mediterranean experience.
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Lemon Sorbet: To finish, a light dessert like lemon sorbet cleanses the palate with its zesty brightness, making it the perfect light end to a satisfying meal.
Make Ahead Options
This Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the feta and tomato mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Simply combine the feta, cherry tomatoes, olives, and garlic in a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season as usual. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast. On the day of serving, just preheat your oven and bake as directed; the flavors will be just as delicious! For the pasta, you can cook it ahead as well and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—simply reheat it briefly before mixing it with your roasted feta and tomatoes. Enjoy the time-saving benefits of this effortless and comforting dish!
Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! The best tomatoes for your Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta are firm, plump, and vibrantly colored. Look for ones without dark spots, blemishes, or wrinkles. Cherry tomatoes that are slightly soft and bursting with color will bring out the sweetest flavors when roasted!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Very important! Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain its creamy texture, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil if needed to revive the sauce.
Can I freeze Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta?
Absolutely! To freeze your pasta, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stove or in a covered oven-safe dish.
What if my feta doesn’t get golden while roasting?
No worries! If your feta isn’t blistered after 30 minutes, try pressing it down slightly with a fork, allowing it to make better contact with the heat. If it’s still not golden, you can give it an extra 5-10 minutes under the broiler, but keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Certainly! For a vegetarian version, always opt for vegetarian feta. If you have gluten sensitivities, feel free to swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. When introducing this meal to pets, remember that seasoned and roasted garlic should be avoided as it can be harmful to them.
How do I adjust the recipe for picky eaters?
Very easy! If you have little ones that might be hesitant about the feta or olives, consider blending the roasted tomatoes and feta into a smoother sauce before mixing with the pasta. You can also serve the components separately, allowing them to mix in their desired amounts!
Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta: Your New Family Dinner Hero
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (180°C fan/gas 6) to ensure a perfect roasting environment for our ingredients.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place the feta block in the center of a large baking dish, surrounded by the cherry tomatoes, olives, and unpeeled garlic cloves. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Roast: Bake your dish for about 30 minutes or until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns beautifully golden brown. Once done, squeeze and mash the roasted garlic into the mixture for added flavor.
- Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the short pasta according to the package instructions, and remember to reserve a mugful of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Combine: If your baking dish has enough room, add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved water directly to it, mixing everything together until the feta breaks down and coats the pasta. If needed, this mixing can also be done in the pasta pot for convenience.
- Finish & Serve: Season with freshly cracked black pepper, scatter the basil leaves on top, and then serve the dish hot.