Baked Feta Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – A Creamy Mediterranean Delight 🍅🧀🍝
This Baked Feta Pasta became a viral sensation for a reason—sweet roasted cherry tomatoes and melty feta cheese combine into a luscious, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta. With just a few ingredients and one baking dish, this Mediterranean-inspired dinner is effortlessly delicious. 💚
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Recipe 💚
- ✅ Minimal Ingredients: Only a handful of pantry staples required.
- ✅ One-Dish Wonder: No need for a separate sauce pan!
- ✅ Bright, Creamy Flavor: Roasted tomatoes + salty feta = flavor magic.
- ✅ Customizable: Add spinach, olives, basil, or your favorite pasta shape.
🍝 Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 block (8 oz / 200g) feta cheese 🧀
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes 🍅
- 3 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) 🌶️
- Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
- 10–12 oz (280–340g) pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or spaghetti) 🍝
- Fresh basil or spinach (optional) 🌿
- Optional: lemon zest, kalamata olives, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes 🍋🫒
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set to 400°F (200°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place the feta block in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes. - Season and roast:
Drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and feta is golden on top. - Cook the pasta:
While the feta bakes, boil pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain. - Mix the sauce:
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together into a creamy sauce. Stir in cooked pasta, a splash of reserved pasta water if needed, and any add-ins (spinach, basil, lemon zest). - Serve:
Top with fresh basil and cracked black pepper. Serve warm with crusty bread or a green salad. 🍝🧀
💡 Tips & Flavor Variations
- ✨ Make it spicy: Add extra chili flakes or sliced chili before roasting.
- ✨ Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- ✨ Go gluten-free: Use your favorite GF pasta—this recipe adapts beautifully.
- ✨ Change the cheese: Try goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy base.
🌿 Nutritional Highlights
This dish offers fiber-rich tomatoes, calcium and protein from feta, and heart-healthy fats from olive oil. Pair with greens or a side of vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
🧊 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- ✅ Make-ahead: Roast tomatoes and feta in advance; reheat and add fresh pasta.
- ✅ Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- ✅ Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil for best texture.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Yes—but use foil to shape the crumbles into a mound so they don’t spread too thin during baking.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely—substitute vegan feta and use egg-free pasta. The roasted tomato base remains flavorful and rich.
What pasta works best?
Short shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli catch the creamy sauce beautifully. Long noodles work too!
Creamy, Tangy & Totally Addictive 💚
This Baked Feta Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes is a Mediterranean must-try—easy, elegant, and exploding with flavor. 🍝💬 Pin it and show us your feta-filled fork!
