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
Scale
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.
