Looking for a quick and tasty dinner option? Baked feta pasta is your answer! This dish combines creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic garlic for a meal that’s both simple and flavorful. In just a few steps, you can impress your family or friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started on your new favorite pasta recipe!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this easy baked feta pasta:
– 200g pasta of choice
– 200g block feta cheese
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Zest of 1 lemon
Gather these items before you start cooking. Using fresh ingredients makes this dish shine. The feta cheese adds a creamy texture, while the tomatoes burst with flavor. The garlic and herbs enhance the taste, bringing everything together. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. This recipe is simple, but it packs a punch! I love how the lemon zest brightens the dish too. You can find the full recipe at the end. Enjoy your cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
– In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until the tomatoes are well coated.
– Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes, slightly pressing it down. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta and season with a pinch of salt.
Baking Instructions
– Bake for approximately 25 minutes.
– Check for blistered tomatoes and soft feta. You want the tomatoes to look wrinkled and juicy.
Cooking Pasta
– Cook pasta until al dente as per package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
– Drain and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water. This water helps to make your sauce creamy.
Combining Ingredients
– Remove the baking dish from the oven. Carefully stir the melted feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Use a fork to break up the feta if you like.
– Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. If the pasta seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
– Stir in the lemon zest and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
This method makes a delicious meal that is easy to prepare. You can find the full recipe above.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
– Choose the right type of pasta: I like using penne or fusilli. They hold the sauce well. You can try other shapes too. Just make sure they cook evenly.
– Use fresh ingredients for best flavor: Fresh cherry tomatoes and real feta make a big difference. They add vibrant taste and texture. Avoid dried or canned items for this dish.
Flavor Enhancements
– Add fresh herbs or lemon juice: Fresh basil brightens the dish. You can also squeeze lemon juice before serving. This adds a nice zing.
– Experiment with different cheeses: Feel free to try goat cheese or ricotta. Each cheese gives a new twist to the dish.
Cooking Techniques
– Importance of squeezing lemon zest before adding: Zest adds the best flavor. It gives a fresh, citrusy note. Use a zester or grater for this step.
– Tips for achieving creamy sauce consistency: Stir the baked feta and tomatoes well. If it seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps create a smooth sauce.
For the complete cooking method, check the Full Recipe.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can make this dish your own by changing a few ingredients. First, consider swapping feta cheese for goat cheese or ricotta. These cheeses offer a different texture and taste. Goat cheese gives a tangy twist, while ricotta provides a creamy softness.
Next, try using different types of tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are sweet, but you can also use grape tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or even canned diced tomatoes. Each type brings a unique flavor to the dish.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer delicious choices made from rice or lentils. They cook well and taste great in this recipe.
For those who follow a vegan diet, you can use plant-based cheese instead of feta. There are many tasty vegan cheeses available today. You can also skip the cheese entirely and add more veggies for bulk and flavor.
Spice Options
To make your baked feta pasta more exciting, adjust the heat. You can add different peppers, like jalapeños or banana peppers. Just chop them up and mix them in with the tomatoes.
You can also enhance the flavor with spices. Consider adding Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or smoked paprika. Each spice adds a new layer to your dish, making it even more enjoyable.
Storage Info
Short-term Storage
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. Keep your Baked Feta Pasta in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, use a microwave or a stove to reheat. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir well to ensure even heating.
Long-term Storage
You can freeze Baked Feta Pasta for up to three months. Let it cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container or bag to keep it fresh. To preserve taste and texture, avoid freezing it with fresh herbs. To reheat, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. Then, heat it gently on the stove. Add a little olive oil or water to restore creaminess. Enjoy your delicious meal again!
FAQs
Common Questions
What can I serve with Baked Feta Pasta?
You can serve this dish with a simple side salad. A mixed greens salad works well. You might also enjoy garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, grilled chicken or shrimp pairs nicely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Baked Feta Pasta ahead. Cook the pasta and bake the feta and tomatoes. Mix them before serving. Store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Is it possible to prepare this dish without baking?
You can make a non-baked version. Simply sauté the garlic and tomatoes in a pan. Add the feta cheese and cook until soft. Then, mix in the cooked pasta. It won’t have the same baked flavor, but it will still taste great.
Troubleshooting Queries
What to do if the sauce is too dry?
If your sauce seems dry, don’t worry! Just add a little of the reserved pasta water. Start with a tablespoon at a time and stir well. This will help create a creamy sauce.
How to fix soggy pasta?
If your pasta turns soggy, try to drain it right away. In the future, cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook a bit when mixed with the sauce. If it’s too soggy, you can add it to a hot pan to dry it out slightly.
Nutritional Information
Is Baked Feta Pasta healthy?
Baked Feta Pasta can be part of a balanced diet. It includes healthy fats from olive oil and feta. The tomatoes add vitamins and minerals, making it a tasty option.
Nutritional breakdown per serving
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 15g
– Carbohydrates: 50g
– Fat: 22g
– Fiber: 3g
This breakdown may vary based on your ingredient choices. For a healthier option, add more veggies or use whole-grain pasta.
In this blog post, we explored a simple yet tasty Baked Feta Pasta recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. We also discussed fun variations and storage tips.
This recipe is easy to make and fun to customize. With fresh ingredients and simple techniques, you can create a dish everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking and let your taste buds explore the flavors!
