Description
Baked Feta Pasta is a viral, one-dish recipe where creamy feta and sweet cherry tomatoes roast together to create a rich, tangy sauce. Tossed with pasta and fresh herbs, it’s a fuss-free, flavorful dinner perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
1 shallot, quartered
3 garlic cloves, smashed
2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt, to taste
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
1 (8-oz.) block feta cheese
3 fresh thyme sprigs
12 oz. short tubular pasta (macaroni, cavatappi, or penne)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and position the rack in the center.
- In a medium baking dish, combine shallot, garlic, tomatoes, and all but 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season with salt and red pepper flakes; toss to coat.
- Place the feta block in the center of the dish. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and scatter thyme sprigs over the top.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta turns golden.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain.
- Remove thyme sprigs. Stir the baked feta and tomatoes together until creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon zest (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Swap feta for goat cheese or brie for a different flavor profile.
- Add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms to the roasting pan.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Use vegan feta and egg-free pasta for a plant-based option.
- Add extra red pepper flakes or chili peppers for heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 758
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 78g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 50mg