Looking for an easy yet mouthwatering dish? This baked feta pasta recipe is just what you need! With its creamy feta cheese, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this dish tantalizes your taste buds while being incredibly simple to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
– 200g pasta (your choice)
– 200g feta cheese
– 300g cherry tomatoes
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately:
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 14g
– Carbohydrates: 60g
– Fat: 18g
– Fiber: 3g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Add minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the tomatoes.
4. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
5. Drizzle additional olive oil over the feta cheese.
6. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden.
7. Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
8. Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water.
9. Remove the baking dish from the oven and combine the feta and tomatoes, mashing lightly.
10. Toss the pasta with the feta mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Additionally, any pasta type works, including gluten-free alternatives. For a vegan option, try using plant-based feta.
Serving and Pairings
This baked feta pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread. A glass of white wine enhances the flavors, making it a perfect choice for dinner parties.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15 minutes. This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t skip the olive oil; it enhances flavors.
– Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente.
– Ensure the feta is fresh for the best flavor.
– Don’t overcrowd the baking dish; it may cause uneven cooking.
– Remember to save some pasta water for creaminess.
Helpful Tips
– Use seasonal tomatoes for the best taste.
– Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary.
– Add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick.
– For a richer flavor, roast garlic with the tomatoes.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for different flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta stores well and can be made ahead of time for quick meals.
How can I make it more nutritious?
Add spinach or kale to the baking dish for extra nutrients and flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use plant-based feta and pasta to create a vegan version of this recipe.
What pasta varieties work best?
Any pasta shape works, but short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well.
Conclusion
This baked feta pasta recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. With its creamy texture and savory notes, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g pasta your choice
- 200 g feta cheese
- 300 g cherry tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil.
- Add minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the tomatoes.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Drizzle additional olive oil over the feta cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and reserve a cup of pasta water.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and combine the feta and tomatoes, mashing lightly.
- Toss the pasta with the feta mixture, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
