Baked Feta Pasta

$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! - 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. - Bake for approximately 25 minutes. - Check for blistered tomatoes and soft feta. You want the tomatoes to look wrinkled and juicy. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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!$

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Cheesy Baked Feta Pasta with this simple and delicious recipe! Packed with flavor from cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of lemon, this dish is perfect for any pasta lover. In just 35 minutes, you'll be enjoying a comforting meal that's easy to whip up for any occasion. Ready to impress your family and friends? Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and get cooking!

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Ingredients

200g pasta of choice (penne or fusilli works well)

200g feta cheese, block

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat your 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.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and golden.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully stir the melted feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Use a fork to break up the feta if desired.

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.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4