Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that has taken the internet by storm. This recipe features a block of creamy feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil until melted and bubbly. The mixture is then tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil, creating a rich and tangy sauce that coats every bite. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Baked Feta Pasta is both delicious and easy to prepare, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will please any palate.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil and season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and bubbly.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Combine and Mix:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, mash the feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add Fresh Basil and Lemon Zest:
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil and lemon zest (if using).
- Serve:
- Serve the baked feta pasta hot, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
Enjoy this delicious Baked Feta Pasta as a quick and easy meal that’s bursting with flavor, making it a new favorite for pasta lovers everywhere.
