Express Baked Feta Pasta (Print Version)

Creamy pasta with baked feta, juicy tomatoes, and basil. A Mediterranean-inspired dish ready in under 30 minutes.

# Components:

→ Dairy

01 - 7 oz block feta cheese

→ Vegetables

02 - 14 oz cherry tomatoes
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
05 - 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

→ Pantry

06 - 10.5 oz dried short pasta, such as penne or fusilli
07 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow to fully preheat.
02 - Place feta cheese block in the center of a medium baking dish.
03 - Arrange cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and sliced red onion (if using) evenly around the feta. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss tomatoes gently to coat.
04 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and softened.
05 - Boil the pasta in salted water according to its package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
06 - Remove the baking dish from the oven. Mash roasted feta and tomatoes together with a fork until creamy.
07 - Add cooked pasta and chopped basil to the baking dish. Toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water gradually for desired sauce consistency.
08 - Plate hot and top with additional fresh basil for garnish.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just twenty five minutes
  • Uses mostly pantry and fridge staples so no specialty shopping
  • One pan bake makes prep and clean up quick
  • Packed with bright Mediterranean flavors and creamy comfort
02 -
  • High protein thanks to feta cheese
  • Naturally vegetarian
  • Easy to make gluten free and dairy free
03 -
  • Make sure your feta is not too dry Brined feta will melt creamier than pre crumbled styles
  • Do not skimp on olive oil as it emulsifies the sauce and makes it silky Always use fresh basil over dried for garnish It adds sweet aroma and color I once ran out and regretted it

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