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- 200g pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti) - 1 block (200g) feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Look for ripe cherry tomatoes. They should be firm and vibrant. Quality feta cheese is key. Choose a block of feta instead of crumbles for creaminess. Olive oil should be extra virgin for its flavor. Fresh garlic adds a sharp taste. Always season with good salt and fresh pepper. You can change this dish to fit your taste. Try adding spinach for color and nutrition. Zucchini or bell peppers work well too. If you love spice, add more crushed red pepper. For a twist, mix in some olives or sun-dried tomatoes. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors. Enjoy customizing your baked feta tomato pasta! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 200g pasta of your choice - 1 block (200g) feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting a nice bake. In a large baking dish, place the feta cheese right in the center. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes all around the feta. Now, let’s prepare the flavor mix. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Drizzle this mixture over the feta and tomatoes. Make sure everything is coated nicely. Once your dish is ready, it’s time to bake. Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the feta to become soft and slightly golden. The tomatoes should burst and caramelize, giving off a sweet aroma. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Drain it and set it aside. When the feta and tomatoes are done, take the baking dish out of the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta and tomatoes together. This creates a creamy sauce. Now, add your cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in that delicious sauce. You can adjust the seasoning if you feel it needs a little more salt or pepper. Finally, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Serve warm and enjoy the burst of flavors! To keep your pasta just right, cook it until it's al dente. This means the pasta should still have a slight bite. Follow the time on the package, but check it a minute early. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking. This will help it blend nicely with the sauce later. To make your dish pop, try these flavor boosters: - Use fresh garlic for a stronger taste. - Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. - Toss in olives for a briny kick. - Try different herbs like thyme or basil for more depth. These additions will elevate the dish and make it more exciting. Serve your baked feta tomato pasta warm. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a nice touch too. Pair it with a crisp salad or some crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Enjoy this meal with friends or family for a perfect dinner night! Pro Tips Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Using pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni will hold onto the creamy sauce better than spaghetti. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Fresh basil adds a bright flavor, so try to use it right before serving for the best taste. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference; start with less if you're unsure. Save Some Pasta Water: If the sauce seems too thick after mixing, add a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. {{image_2}} You can switch feta with other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. Cream cheese gives a smooth texture. For a deeper taste, try blue cheese. Each choice adds a unique twist to the dish. Feel free to experiment until you find your favorite! Adding veggies makes this dish even better. Spinach or kale adds color and nutrients. Bell peppers bring sweetness and crunch. You could also add zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor. Just chop them up and toss them in with the tomatoes. The more, the merrier! If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices made from rice or quinoa. You won’t lose any flavor, and it keeps the dish light. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. Enjoy your meal without worry! After enjoying your baked feta tomato pasta, let it cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the pasta well to keep it fresh. If you have extra feta, store it separately to maintain its flavor. To reheat, take the pasta out of the fridge. You can use the microwave or the oven. If using a microwave, heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to heat evenly. For the oven, preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. Add a splash of olive oil if it seems dry. You can freeze this dish, but the texture may change. Allow the pasta to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. It will stay good for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use regular feta cheese. I recommend using block feta for this recipe. The block melts well and adds a creamy texture. Crumbled feta may not blend into the sauce as nicely. If you prefer a stronger flavor, go for a Greek feta. You can use any pasta you like. I often use penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti. These shapes hold the sauce well. Short pasta works great because it mixes easily with the creamy feta and tomatoes. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. This dish is already vegetarian! It uses feta cheese, tomatoes, and garlic. Just ensure that your pasta is egg-free. For extra veggies, consider adding spinach or bell peppers before baking. This adds color and nutrition without changing the flavor much. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can chop your tomatoes and garlic in advance. However, I recommend baking it fresh for the best taste. If you want to store leftovers, keep them in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. This blog post covered how to make baked feta tomato pasta. We discussed key ingredients and their quality. You now know preparation steps, baking tips, and how to combine flavors. We explored variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. In closing, enjoy experimenting with this recipe. Make it your own by trying different cheeses and veggies. With some practice, you'll create a dish your friends and family will love. Happy cooking!

Baked Feta Tomato Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
  • 1 block (200g) feta cheese
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large baking dish, place the feta cheese in the center and arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around it.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this mixture over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring everything is well coated.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden, and the tomatoes are bursting and caramelized.
  • While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste for spiciness.
Keyword baked, easy, feta, pasta, tomato