Baked Feta Pasta

$- 200g pasta (fusilli or penne) - 200g feta cheese, block - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a dish that delights. The pasta provides a hearty base, while the feta cheese becomes creamy when baked. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, making this dish pop. Garlic brings a lovely aroma, while olive oil adds richness. Dried oregano gives a fragrant touch. Don't forget salt and pepper to bring out the flavors! Fresh basil garnishes the final dish, offering a burst of freshness. If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes for an extra kick. For the full recipe, check out the details I've shared. Enjoy crafting this easy and flavorful dish! 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step warms the oven for even cooking. 2. In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. This arrangement helps all flavors blend well. 1. Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. This will help create a creamy texture. 2. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like spice. Each adds a nice touch of flavor. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. You want the feta to melt and the tomatoes to blister and get juicy. 1. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This means it should still have a bit of bite. 2. Once the feta is done baking, remove it from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes and garlic until creamy and blended. This transformation makes a delicious sauce. 3. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy feta sauce. This step is key for flavor. 4. Adjust seasoning to taste. You may want more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes based on your preference. 5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. You can find the full recipe for this creamy baked feta pasta to enjoy! Choosing the right pasta shape For baked feta pasta, I love using fusilli or penne. These shapes grab the creamy sauce well. The twists and tubes hold the flavors in each bite. If you want a different texture, feel free to try other shapes. Ensuring creamy consistency To get that rich, creamy texture, mix the baked feta with the tomatoes well. Use a fork to mash the feta and blend it with the juices from the tomatoes. This step makes the sauce smooth and delicious. If it feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to help it blend. Adjusting cooking times for different ovens Not all ovens cook the same. Some run hotter or cooler. Check your dish after 25 minutes. If the feta looks soft and the tomatoes are blistering, it's time to take it out. If not, give it a few more minutes. Storing leftover ingredients If you have leftover feta or tomatoes, store them in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. Use it within three days for the best taste. You can also mix them into salads, or use them on toast for a great snack. Pairing with side dishes You can serve baked feta pasta with a simple salad. A side of garlic bread also works well. These sides add crunch and freshness to your meal. Best wine matches for baked feta pasta A light white wine pairs nicely with this dish. Try a dry Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Pinot Grigio. These wines enhance the flavors of the feta and tomatoes. Enjoying a glass with your meal makes it special. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the detailed instructions above! {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this dish. Try using goat cheese or ricotta. Both add unique flavors. You can also mix in veggies or proteins. Spinach, bell peppers, or grilled chicken work well. They transform the dish into a full meal. Adding fresh herbs can boost the taste. Use thyme or rosemary for a fragrant touch. If you like heat, add chilies or jalapeños. They give the dish an exciting kick. Spice levels can be adjusted to your liking. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands make tasty alternatives. If you want a vegan dish, use plant-based feta. There are great brands that melt well. These swaps keep the dish delicious while meeting your needs. To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, follow a few simple steps. First, allow it to cool completely. This step helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy. Transfer the dish into an airtight container. You can also use plastic wrap to cover it tightly. Proper storage keeps the flavor intact. In the fridge, baked feta pasta lasts about 3 to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When you want to enjoy your baked feta pasta again, you can reheat it in two ways. The oven method is best for keeping the texture nice. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method is quick but may dry out the pasta. To keep it creamy, add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water before microwaving. Yes, you can freeze baked feta pasta! This makes it easy to enjoy later. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it in the oven or microwave. Avoid refreezing after thawing, as it can affect the taste and texture. What is baked feta pasta? Baked feta pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish. You bake feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and garlic. The heat melts the feta, making a rich sauce. You then mix it with cooked pasta for a tasty meal. Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can! While feta gives a unique flavor, you can try goat cheese or cream cheese. Each cheese will change the taste and texture of the dish. Why is my feta not melting properly? If your feta isn’t melting, it may be too dry or low in fat. Choose a block of feta with higher fat content. Also, make sure you bake it long enough. The tomatoes should be blistered and juicy. How do I know when my pasta is done? To check if your pasta is done, taste a piece. It should be tender but still firm, known as "al dente." Follow package instructions for the best results. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the dish ahead. Bake the feta and tomatoes, then mix with the pasta later. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until ready to serve. What can I serve with baked feta pasta? Baked feta pasta pairs well with a simple salad or garlic bread. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Enjoy this dish with a light white wine for a delightful meal. This blog post detailed how to make delicious baked feta pasta using simple ingredients. You learned about the main components and easy steps for preparation. We also discussed helpful tips for baking and serving this dish. Feel free to get creative with variations and ingredient swaps. Remember, the key to a perfect baked feta pasta is in the details. Enjoy your cooking adventure and share it with loved ones!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of creamy baked feta pasta! This easy and mouthwatering recipe combines baked feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and al dente pasta for a comforting meal everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll have a delightful dish on the table in no time. Click to explore the recipe and find out how to elevate your pasta night!

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Ingredients

200g pasta (fusilli or penne works best)

200g feta cheese, block

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic.

Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the feta is melting and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Once the feta is done baking, remove it from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes and garlic until creamy and blended.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy feta sauce.

Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4