Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 Pints cherry tomatoes; 1/2 Cup olive oil (extra-virgin); 1 Block feta cheese (8-Ounce); 1 Teaspoon oregano (dried); 1 Teaspoon salt; 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked); 2 Teaspoon garlic (minced); 8 Ounces pasta (uncooked weight); 8 basil leaves (fresh); 1/4 Cup parsley (fresh); 1 Teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste, optional)

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Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, briny feta, and aromatic herbs, Baked Feta Pasta is a one-pan wonder that’s become a weeknight obsession in kitchens everywhere. The magic happens when you bake a block of feta with tomatoes until they’re caramelized and bubbling, then swirl everything together with hot pasta for a creamy, tangy, and deeply satisfying dish. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a little comfort, this recipe never disappoints—it’s simple, irresistible, and sure to become your new pasta favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Baked Feta Pasta is in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a crucial role in making the flavors sing. From the sweetness of vine-ripened cherry tomatoes to the salty richness of feta, each component adds color, texture, or a burst of taste you’ll crave again and again.

Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints): These roast into sweet, jammy bites that become the backbone of the sauce.
Olive Oil, Extra-Virgin (1/2 cup): Coats everything in rich, peppery flavor; don’t skimp on quality here.
Feta Cheese Block (8 ounces): The block is key—it melts into a creamy, tangy sauce that crumbles perfectly into the pasta.
Oregano, Dried (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and Mediterranean flair to the entire dish.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and balances the brine of the feta.
Black Pepper, Freshly Cracked (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a spark of heat and complexity.
Garlic, Minced (2 teaspoons): Stirred in at the end for punchy, not-too-raw garlic flavor.
Pasta, Uncooked (8 ounces): Any shape works, but something that hugs the sauce—think rotini, penne, or farfalle—is ideal.
Basil Leaves, Fresh (8 leaves): Torn atop the finished pasta for a burst of fresh, peppery, aniseed flavor.
Parsley, Fresh (1/4 cup): Chopped and sprinkled for herbal brightness and a pop of color.
Red Pepper Flakes (1 teaspoon or to taste, optional): Perfect for those who love an extra bit of heat at the finish.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. That high heat is essential to roast the tomatoes until they burst and caramelize, bringing every bit of their natural sweetness to the forefront.

Step 2: Arrange the Tomatoes and Feta

Grab a casserole dish and scatter all the cherry tomatoes inside. Nestle the block of feta right in the center. Sprinkling the oregano, salt, and pepper directly onto the cheese lets all those flavors melt together as it bakes.

Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Toss

Pour the olive oil liberally over the tomatoes and feta. Give the tomatoes a toss so they’re well coated—this guarantees every bite is filled with that silky, savory richness as it cooks down into the sauce.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbling

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are blistered, the feta is golden, and everything smells absolutely incredible.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While things are roasting, cook your pasta according to package directions. Don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water—you might need it to help everything come together at the end. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 6: Mash and Mix the Sauce

Once the tomatoes and feta are bubbly and browned, pull the dish from the oven. Immediately add in the minced garlic, then use a fork to mash everything together into a creamy, chunky sauce. The heat will mellow the garlic and blend the flavors beautifully.

Step 7: Adjust the Consistency

If the sauce looks thick, splash in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water. It’ll loosen things up and make everything perfectly glossy for tossing with the pasta.

Step 8: Add Herbs and Pasta

Sprinkle the fresh basil and parsley over the sauce, then add the hot cooked pasta directly to the dish. Give it a big stir so the noodles are enveloped in creamy, herby goodness.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

To bring the whole thing together, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you love a little kick. Serve the Baked Feta Pasta piping hot and dig in immediately for maximum flavor and comfort!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

Top your Baked Feta Pasta with extra torn basil leaves, a flurry of chopped fresh parsley, or an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit more zip. A drizzle of really good olive oil or freshly cracked black pepper can add that final chef’s kiss just before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta doesn’t need much to shine, but a bright, crisp side salad with lemony vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast. Some crusty bread or warm garlic knots are also perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Baked Feta Pasta is a showstopper in its own right, but you can take it up a notch by serving it in individual bowls or topping with roasted veggies, ribbons of zucchini, or a handful of arugula. For date night, portion it onto plates with extra herbs or a shaving of lemon zest for a restaurant-worthy finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), store any Baked Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making for an irresistible next-day lunch.

Freezing

While Baked Feta Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to one month. Be aware that the texture of the feta may become a bit more crumbly, but the flavor remains delicious. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to your leftovers and warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave just until heated through. Stir well to bring the sauce back to its original creamy glory.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block for Baked Feta Pasta?

For Baked Feta Pasta, the block of feta is really key because it softens and melts differently than pre-crumbled feta, producing a creamier sauce. If all you have is crumbled feta, you can use it in a pinch, but the results won’t be quite as lusciously creamy.

What pasta shape works best with Baked Feta Pasta?

Short shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle are all wonderful because they trap that rich, cheesy sauce. But honestly, any pasta you love will taste delicious coated in these flavors.

Can I add extra vegetables or protein?

Absolutely! Stir in spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted zucchini with the pasta for extra veggies. If you want protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are fantastic additions that take Baked Feta Pasta to the next level.

Is Baked Feta Pasta very salty?

Baked Feta Pasta is pleasantly salty thanks to the feta, but the salt level is balanced by the sweet tomatoes and fresh herbs. Feel free to taste and adjust before serving, especially if your feta is particularly briny.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

While feta is traditionally made from sheep’s milk, you can find dairy-free feta alternatives at many stores. Simply substitute a vegan feta block and ensure your pasta is egg-free. The result will still be creamy and delicious!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels as comforting as a hug and as impressive as dinner out, Baked Feta Pasta is the answer. It’s wildly easy, endlessly adaptable, and 100 percent guaranteed to become a repeat request. Give it a try and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the viral sensation of Baked Feta Pasta with this easy-to-follow recipe. Roasted cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and aromatic herbs combine to create a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that will wow your taste buds.

Instructions

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Add: Put the cherry tomatoes in a casserole dish.
Sprinkle: Add the feta cheese in the middle and sprinkle the oregano, salt, and pepper over the cheese.
Pour: Pour the olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese and toss the tomatoes to coat.
Bake: Bake in the oven for 40 minutes.
Cook: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, saving a little of the pasta water for the recipe.
Mash: Remove and mash the melted cheese with the tomatoes and mix in the minced garlic, stirring to combine.
Thin: If the sauce is thick, add a couple tablespoons of pasta water to thin it out.
Sprinkle: Sprinkle the basil and parsley over the cheese and add the pasta.
Combine: Stir to combine and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if liked. Serve hot.

Notes

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or spinach.
For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or a dollop of pesto.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean