Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Feta Pasta has become a viral sensation, and for good reason! This creamy, savory dish features rich feta cheese, bursting grape tomatoes, and perfectly cooked bow tie pasta, all mixed together with fresh basil. The baking process intensifies the flavors of the tomatoes, and the feta cheese melts into a deliciously creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. It’s an easy, flavorful, and comforting meal that can be made in just over 30 minutes!

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
• 1 (8 oz) brick of feta cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
• 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   Add the washed and dried grape tomatoes to a medium-sized baking dish.
3. Add the Feta:
   Place the brick of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
4. Season the Ingredients:
   Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt over the dish. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta cheese.
5. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta cheese softens and begins to melt.
6. Stir:
   Remove the dish from the oven. Stir the melted feta and burst tomatoes together until well combined.
7. Mix with Pasta:
   Add the cooked and drained bow tie pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy tomato and feta mixture.
8. Garnish and Serve:
   Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations and Tips

• Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have feta or want to try something different, you can use goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier sauce.
• Vegetable Add-ins: You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish for more flavor and nutrients.
• Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the tomatoes and feta before baking.
• Pasta Variations: Feel free to use other pasta shapes, like penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti, based on your preference.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Baked Feta Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a warm oven until heated through. Add a splash of olive oil or a little water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the feta and tomatoes in advance, then bake and mix in the pasta just before serving. The pasta can be stored separately in the fridge and combined later.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but grape tomatoes tend to burst and release more flavor, creating a better sauce when baked.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, Baked Feta Pasta is a vegetarian dish, as it contains no meat. You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if desired.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta in place of the bow tie pasta to make the dish gluten-free.

How do I make it creamier?

If you want a creamier sauce, consider adding a little heavy cream or milk to the feta and tomato mixture before baking. You can also stir in some cream cheese for extra richness.

Conclusion

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines creamy feta cheese, burst tomatoes, and pasta into one deliciously satisfying meal. With minimal ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this easy-to-make dish that everyone will love!

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