If you’ve ever dreamed of a pasta dish that is both effortlessly elegant and bursting with vibrant, tangy flavors, then you’re in for a treat with this Baked Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender pasta coated in a luscious, creamy sauce created by roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness and velvety feta cheese melting into every bite. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with pure comfort. Simple ingredients come together in a way that looks stunning on your plate while delivering a perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and a subtle hint of spice that will have you coming back for seconds every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe shines because each ingredient plays an essential role in creating complexity from simplicity. From the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes to the creamy feta that melts into sauce perfection, every element is thoughtfully chosen to build harmony in texture and flavor.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape to soak up that amazing sauce perfectly.
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they burst open in the oven to release natural sweetness.
- 8 oz block feta cheese: The creamy, salty centerpiece that transforms into a decadent sauce when baked.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the tomatoes and feta roast beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: A little pungency to deepen flavor without overwhelming.
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh): Brings an herby, Mediterranean vibe that complements the cheese.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat to awaken the palate.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley): Adds fresh, aromatic brightness that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of acidity to brighten and balance the richness.
How to Make Baked Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will quickly roast the cherry tomatoes until they burst, and simultaneously melt the feta into a creamy dream. Preheating is key for that perfect texture and flavor development.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the block of feta right in the center. Surround the feta with the cherry tomatoes, creating a vibrant, colorful ring around the cheese. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil—it acts as the magic potion that brings everything to life in the oven.
Step 3: Season Generously
Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes over the feta and tomatoes. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and black pepper; these simple seasonings amplify the natural flavors and give the dish depth without overpowering it.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Place the baking dish in the oven and let it work its magic for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch as the cherry tomatoes burst and release their juices, mingling with the melting feta to create a sauce that is uniquely creamy and rich.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the cheese and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta until al dente, usually around 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s pure gold for adjusting the sauce later.
Step 6: Combine for Sauce Perfection
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and use a fork to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together into a luscious, creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta straight into the dish and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it to your ideal consistency.
Step 7: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Optional Brightness
Stir in chopped fresh basil for a punch of bright, herbal freshness and add lemon juice if you want a hint of citrusy zing that balances the creaminess beautifully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Serve this comforting dish warm, garnished with a few extra basil leaves for that picture-perfect finish.
How to Serve Baked Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh basil leaves on top not only makes your Baked Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe look stunning but also injects a fresh herbal aroma that elevates every bite. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add inviting layers of flavor just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread also make excellent companions, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls with an extra mini block of feta on top for visual impact. Alternatively, pile it high in a large serving bowl and let guests dive in, garnishing their plates with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon if desired for a lively communal feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the pasta even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Note that the texture of pasta may soften slightly after freezing, but the flavors remain delightful.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to restore the sauce’s creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce from drying out and the feta from becoming too crumbly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is crucial in this Baked Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe due to its unique tangy flavor and creamy texture when baked. However, you can experiment with halloumi or goat cheese, though the flavor profile will change. Keep in mind how these cheeses melt differently.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. Just make sure to check ingredient labels for vegan suitability.
How spicy is the dish if I add red pepper flakes?
The addition of half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes introduces a gentle warmth that complements the creaminess and sweetness without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can pre-mince the garlic and chop fresh herbs ahead of time. The baking step is best done just before serving to ensure the vibrant roasted tomato and feta sauce is fresh and warm.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne, rotini, or spaghetti all work beautifully, as they hold the creamy sauce well. Choose based on your personal preference or what you have on hand, as this recipe is flexible and forgiving.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a wonderfully simple yet deeply satisfying Baked Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a memorable meal. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and smiles to the table. Grab those cherry tomatoes and a block of feta, and get baking; I promise it will soon become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Print
Baked Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and flavorful Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes combines roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy melted feta cheese to make a luscious sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Infused with garlic, oregano, and fresh basil, this one-dish pasta bake is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley)
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the feta and cherry tomatoes.
- Assemble for Baking: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place the block of feta in the center. Surround it evenly with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil over the entire dish, then sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and black pepper.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cherry tomatoes burst and feta becomes soft and slightly melted.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it according to package instructions for al dente texture, about 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Combine: After removing the baking dish from the oven, use a fork to mash the softened feta and burst tomatoes together forming a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss to coat evenly. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in chopped fresh basil and optional lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh basil for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- Use any short pasta shape or spaghetti based on preference.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted for a milder dish.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of white wine when baking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 2 days and can be gently reheated.
