Feta pasta is a simple and delicious pasta dish that has become very popular on TikTok and social media. The recipe involves baking a block of feta cheese and cherry tomatoes in the oven until they are soft and juicy. Then, the cooked pasta is tossed with the cheese and tomato mixture along with some garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs.
The result is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that is easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch. In this recipe, we'll show you step-by-step how to make this delicious meal in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This feta pasta recipe shines because of its simplicity, its rich and fresh flavors, and its customizability making gourmet dining easily accessible to anyone with a stove and oven.
With 5 minutes of prep and some basic ingredients found in most kitchens, this feta pasta is a breeze for both novice home cooks and experienced chefs alike. Simply pop it in the oven and enjoy some you-time while the feta gets all hot and gooey and your culinary masterpiece readies itself.
In addition to its simplicity, this feta pasta dish boasts a harmonious blend of creamy feta cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic and herbs. This results in a satisfyingly rich and tangy flavor profile that everyone will fall in love with.
If that wasn't enough, this feta pasta recipe is also incredibly versatile, allowing you to personalize your feta pasta to suit any palate. Whether adding protein, adjusting spice levels, or experimenting with various pasta types, this recipe encourages creativity without sacrificing its essence.
Ingredients
Pasta:
The best canvas for this dish is pasta that holds onto the sauce well. Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are good options because their nooks and crannies catch the sauce and embrace the creamy mixture well. For gluten-free options, go with rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta to ensure everyone can enjoy this delectable recipe without compromise.
Feta:
Feta cheese takes the spotlight in this recipe, but for a twist, try adding goat cheese or ricotta for a milder profile. Vegan? Opt for plant-based feta alternatives or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free, savory experience. Keep in mind that each of these alternatives will have a slightly different flavor and add a new texture to the dish.
Tomatoes:
While fresh cherry tomatoes are ideal for the burst of flavor they provide, you can use any kind of tomato that you do have on hand. Simply remove the stems, dice them up into bite-sized pieces, and proceed with the recipe. Canned diced tomatoes will also do well in a pinch. Just be aware that the texture and taste may be slightly different.
You can get creative with this dish and add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to add extra freshness, flavor, and nutrients to this delicious dish.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil is commonly used in Mediterranean dishes and pairs well with the flavors of feta pasta. You'll want to ensure that you use a really superior quality olive oil, as its flavors are a great contributor to this dish. However, you could experiment with other oils like avocado oil or even butter for a different taste.
Herbs:
Fresh herbs enhance the allure of this feta pasta. A dish like this typically lends itself well to basil, oregano, and thyme. However, if you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating some fresh rosemary, parsley, or dill for a herbaceous flourish. You can also experiment with lemon zest, garlic powder, or even balsamic vinegar for added depth.
How to Make Feta Pasta
Step One:
Prepare some pasta according to the instructions on the package.
Step Two:
Add half the olive oil to a baking dish and place the feta cheese in the middle.
Step Three:
Scatter tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and onion flakes around the cheese, drizzle the remaining oil, and place basil leaves on top.
Step Four:
Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 200F.
Step Five:
Remove the baking dish from the oven.
Add cooked pasta to the dish, sprinkle with fresh basil and serve 🙂
Tips
- You can add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- You can also add in other veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a protein boost, toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Depending on your preference, you can mash the feta to create a creamy sauce, leave it in chunks for a more textured dish, or even use crumbled feta.
- Consider adding other ingredients like olives, roasted red peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta before adding it to the dish. It will continue to cook slightly as it combines with the sauce, so an al dente pasta is best for this feta pasta recipe.
What to Serve With Feta Pasta
Incorporating the perfect side dishes can elevate your feta pasta experience to a whole new level. Consider pairing it with a vibrant Greek salad, where the freshness of crisp vegetables balances the richness of the pasta. Alternatively, roasted broccoli provides a satisfying addition. For those seeking a protein boost, some lemon herb roasted chicken or a juicy pork tenderloin complements the creamy feta sauce perfectly.
FAQs
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too dry after combining it with the sauce?
If you reserve some pasta water before draining the cooked pasta, adding a splash of if to your pasta can help create a silky, well-coated sauce without making the dish too dry.
What do I do if the feta cheese doesn't melt completely?
Feta cheese doesn't melt like some other cheeses. If you want a creamier consistency, you can mash the softened feta with the back of a fork or blend it with a bit of olive oil or cream.
Can I make a spicy version of feta pasta?
Absolutely! You can add red pepper flakes or even a touch of hot sauce to give the dish some heat. Remember to taste as you go and adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
How long can leftover feta pasta be stored?
Leftover feta pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Long-term storage on this dish is not advisable as the texture will only continue to deteriorate.
More Pasta Recipes
Looking to turn your pasta nights up a notch with easy meal ideas like this feta pasta recipe? Then you'll love this collection of pasta recipes that will transport your dinner table to Italy and back.
Feta Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 cup pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 package feta
- 2.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 14 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
- 10 leaves fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Prepare some pasta according to the instructions on the package.
- Add half the olive oil to a baking dish and place the feta cheese in the middle.
- Scatter tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and onion flakes around the cheese, drizzle the remaining oil, and place basil leaves on top.
- Cover and bake for 30 minutes at 200F.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Add cooked pasta to the dish, sprinkle with fresh basil and serve 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- You can also add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- You can also add in other veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a protein boost, toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp.
- Depending on your preference, you can mash the feta to create a creamy sauce, leave it in chunks for a more textured dish, or even use crumbled feta.
- Consider adding other ingredients like olives, roasted red peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta before adding it to the dish. It will continue to cook slightly as it combines with the sauce, so an al dente pasta is best for this feta pasta recipe.
A question? Can this sauce be baked in an air fryer? Don't have an oven, but it sounds delicious.