Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
358 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, American
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Description
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe begins by roasting cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a baking dish. A block of feta cheese is placed in the center, and the dish is baked until the tomatoes soften and the feta becomes soft and lightly golden. The heat melds the flavors and creates a creamy sauce base.
Once baked, the feta and tomatoes are mashed together to form a rich, creamy mixture full of savory and tangy notes balanced by the roasted sweetness of the tomatoes. Cooked penne pasta is then added and tossed thoroughly to coat each piece with the sauce. Optional red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, and fresh garnishes like chopped basil and grated Parmesan can be added for aroma and additional flavor layers.
This dish serves as a straightforward yet flavorful pasta option perfect for casual dinners. The creamy texture from the baked feta contrasts with the slight bite from the pasta, while the roasted tomatoes add a fresh, bright acidity. The recipe can be customized by adding vegetables or proteins to increase heartiness.
For variations, extra cherry tomatoes can be used for a looser sauce, and Italian seasoning can be substituted with dried basil and oregano if needed. Adding spinach, mushrooms, or other vegetables during roasting allows variation in texture and flavor. The pasta pairs well with added proteins like chicken or ground beef for a fuller meal.
Ingredients
- 8 ounce feta cheese block
- 1 pint cherry tomato
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning dried
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 pound penne pasta
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Optional Garnishes
- basil fresh, chopped leaves
- Parmesan Cheese fresh grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
- Place cherry tomatoes in a baking dish
- Add ¼ cup olive oil, garlic Italian seasoning, salt and pepper over tomatoes and toss to coat well. (add red pepper flakes now if desired)
- Place the feta block in middle of the tomatoes, pushing the tomatoes to the sides.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over feta cheese.
- Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta per the package directions.
- After feta and tomatoes have cooked, remove from dish from oven.
- Using a fork, mash the feta and tomatoes to create the creamy sauce.
- Then, add the pasta back into to the cheese mixture and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Garnish with fresh basil and/ or parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use 2 pints of cherry tomatoes for a sauce with more tomato presence and liquid.
- Substitute ½ teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano if Italian seasoning is unavailable.
- Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, onions, red bell peppers, or olives by tossing them with the tomatoes and olive oil before roasting.
- Mix cooked chicken or ground beef into the pasta for added protein and a heartier dish.
- The nutritional information excludes optional parmesan cheese and any additional vegetables or meats added.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 358 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 358kcal | 18% |
| Carbohydrates | 46g | 15% |
| Protein | 12g | 24% |
| Fat | 14g | 22% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 25mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 400mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 281mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 432IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 14mg | 16% |
| Calcium | 164mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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