Name: Baked Feta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese; 2 cups cherry tomatoes; 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best); Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish); Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Why You’ll Love Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

This baked feta pasta is more than just a trend—it’s a reliable, flavor-packed meal you’ll want to make over and over. You’ll love how effortlessly it comes together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. The oven does most of the work, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, creamy sauce. It’s also highly customizable, making it great for families or anyone who enjoys putting their own spin on classic comfort food.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes
1/4 cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best)
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center and surround it with the cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the feta is soft and slightly golden and the tomatoes are burst and lightly charred.
While baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Remove the dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes to form a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish and toss to coat the noodles with the sauce.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 470 kcal per serving

Variations

Add vegetables: Mix in roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for added nutrition.
Make it spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
Switch up the cheese: Try goat cheese or ricotta for a milder, creamier alternative.
Use a different pasta: Swap in spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta.
Add protein: Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier dish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Stir well before serving to restore creaminess.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the feta cheese with a vegan feta alternative and ensure your pasta is egg-free.

Can I use a different type of tomato?

Yes, grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes work well too, though cherry tomatoes are preferred for their sweetness and roasting texture.

What’s the best pasta to use?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best as it holds onto the creamy sauce better.

Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce ahead and store it separately from the pasta. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

It’s not ideal for freezing, as feta and tomatoes can lose their texture upon thawing. Fresh is best.

Can I add meat?

Absolutely. Cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or Italian sausage make great additions to this dish.

What herbs pair well with this?

Fresh basil is classic, but you can also try parsley, thyme, or oregano for different flavor profiles.

Can I make this low-carb?

Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or a low-carb pasta alternative to reduce carbs.

How do I prevent the sauce from drying out?

Don’t overbake and be sure to toss the pasta quickly with the warm sauce. A splash of pasta water can also help loosen the sauce.

Why is my feta not melting?

Feta softens rather than melts. When mixed with roasted tomatoes and oil, it turns into a creamy, spreadable sauce. Make sure you’re using block-style feta, not crumbled.

Conclusion

Baked feta pasta is a mouthwatering combination of ease and elegance, making it an ideal go-to recipe for busy nights or cozy dinners. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s easy to see why this dish has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of home cooks everywhere. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Baked Feta Pasta

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A deliciously creamy, tangy, and savory baked feta pasta dish that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Perfect for any weeknight dinner or gathering!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are burst and slightly charred.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Once the feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Use good-quality feta for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
You can add spinach or cooked chicken for extra protein.
Adjust red pepper flakes based on spice preference.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 470 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 24 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 35 mg