Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

This Baked Feta Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner hero—creamy, tangy feta melts together with sweet, jammy cherry tomatoes, all swirling around tender pasta for a dish that tastes like summer in a bowl. There’s a reason this one-pan wonder swept across the internet: it’s pure joy, vibrant color, and addictive flavor in every bite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Feta Pasta comes from just a handful of quality ingredients—each one bringing its own special touch, from creamy saltiness to bright, juicy pop. Gather these kitchen staples and let their flavors shine.

• Cavatappi Pasta (8 ounces): This curly pasta grabs every bit of the creamy sauce, but go with whatever shape you love or have on hand.
• Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints): Little tomatoes burst and caramelize in the oven, making the sauce irresistibly sweet and juicy.
• Feta Cheese Block (8 ounces): The star of the show! Using a block (not crumbled) feta ensures you get that luscious, creamy melt.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (½ cup): Generous olive oil helps everything roast beautifully and gives the sauce its silky body.
• Salt & Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon each): These balance and sharpen all the other flavors—don’t skip the simple seasoning!
• Fresh Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Stirred in at the end, garlic brings a punch of aroma and depth that finishes the dish perfectly.
• Fresh Basil (¼ cup, chopped, plus more for serving): Sweet, herby, and vibrant, basil takes everything straight into “can’t-stop-eating” territory.

Variations

This is the kind of pasta that’s just begging for personalization. With Baked Feta Pasta as your canvas, feel free to mix things up for your cravings, what’s fresh at the farmers’ market, or special dietary needs.

• Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition—just stir them in when adding the basil.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a dish everyone can enjoy without missing any of that creamy goodness.
• Make It Spicy: A few red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili tossed in with the tomatoes give your Baked Feta Pasta a spicy kick.
• Switch Up the Herbs: Add fresh oregano, thyme, or parsley alongside basil for a different aromatic twist.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes and Feta

Set your oven to 400°F. In a large oven-safe baking dish, scatter the cherry tomatoes and drizzle them generously with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to coat each tomato, then nestle the block of feta right in the center, flipping it a couple of times so it gets cozy in the olive oil and spices. This one dish will soon transform into a dreamy sauce!

Step 2: Bake Until Beautiful

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 35 minutes. The tomatoes will burst and shrivel, releasing their sweet juices, while the feta softens to creamy perfection and takes on a faint golden hue. Your kitchen will smell outrageously good right about now.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the tomato-feta magic happens in the oven, cook your chosen pasta in a big pot of salted water until just al dente—those curly cavatappi will soak up the sauce best. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining; it’s handy for loosening the sauce later if needed.

Step 4: Stir in Garlic and Basil

When the tomatoes have burst and feta is melty, remove the dish from the oven. Immediately add the minced garlic and chopped fresh basil—heat from the pan will mellow the raw garlic and infuse the herbs right into the sauce. Mash and mix well until creamy and unified.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the just-drained pasta straight into that bubbly, fragrant sauce. Toss everything together until every twist and twirl is coated with creamy tomato-feta goodness. If it feels a bit thick, splash in reserved pasta water to reach your dream creaminess. Top with extra basil and serve while it’s warm and luscious!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of extra fresh basil is classic, but don’t be shy about finishing your Baked Feta Pasta with a drizzle of peppery olive oil, cracked black pepper, or even a scattering of toasted pine nuts for crunch. For a luxurious touch, a whisper of lemon zest or a handful of arugula adds brightness and freshness.

Side Dishes

This pasta is super satisfying all on its own, but it absolutely glows when paired with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a platter of roasted vegetables. The fresh crunch complements the creamy, salty pasta so well—making dinner feel extra special with little effort.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop your baked feta pasta into a big, shallow serving bowl for a rustic “help yourself” vibe, or twirl individual portions onto plates and top them with colorful confetti of basil and tomatoes. Hosting? Serve in mini ramekins or layered over a bed of baby greens for a playful, elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the cooled Baked Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days and is fabulous for a speedy lunch the next day.

Freezing

While technically you can freeze leftovers, the creamy feta sauce can turn a bit grainy after thawing. For best texture, enjoy your Baked Feta Pasta fresh or simply refrigerate any extras for short-term storage.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to help revive the sauce’s silky texture. Stir well, and top again with fresh basil to refresh those flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t jumped aboard the Baked Feta Pasta train yet, now is the perfect time. It’s cheerful, creamy, and brilliantly easy—just waiting to become your new weeknight staple. Grab a block of feta and burst those tomatoes—trust me, you’re going to want seconds!

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