Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a dish that’s both delightful and effortlessly impressive, BAKED FETA PASTA is about to sweep you off your feet. This vibrant recipe brings together juicy roasted tomatoes, luxuriously creamy Feta cheese, aromatic Italian herbs, and fresh basil, all brought together with beautiful bow tie pasta for the ultimate comfort food experience. Not only is it visually striking (hello, pop of cherry red!), but it comes together with shockingly simple prep. Trust me—after just one cozy bite, you’ll understand all the obsession surrounding BAKED FETA PASTA!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whether you’re making BAKED FETA PASTA for a last-minute dinner party or a relaxed night in, the ingredient list is refreshingly short, but every element plays a critical role. Each brings out the best in the others, lending flavor, color, or oh-so-satisfying texture to this crowd-pleasing pasta.

• Grape tomatoes: Bursting with juiciness, they roast into sweet, tangy perfection and create the luscious sauce base.
• Feta cheese (8 oz brick): Choose a whole block for the creamiest texture after baking; crumbles just don’t melt the same way.
• Italian seasoning: This dried herb blend infuses classic Mediterranean flavor, giving depth and aroma.
• Salt: A mere ½ teaspoon enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Olive oil: Generous drizzles help everything roast to golden, caramelized deliciousness and tie the sauce together.
• Fresh basil: Chopped and stirred in at the end, it adds a vibrant, fragrant finish that lifts the whole dish.
• Bow tie pasta (12 oz): The fun shape traps plenty of creamy sauce in every bite, but other short pastas work well in a pinch.

How to Make BAKED FETA PASTA

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 350°F, which ensures everything bakes up evenly. Grab a medium-sized baking dish, because the magic all happens right here—no need to dirty a bunch of pans.

Step 2: Arrange the Grape Tomatoes

Scatter those gorgeous grape tomatoes into the dish, distributing them evenly to act as a juicy bedding for the Feta. Don’t worry if a few roll around; they’ll roast up beautifully wherever they land.

Step 3: Nestle in the Feta Cheese

Take your block of Feta cheese and place it right at the center of the tomatoes. It’ll be the heart of the sauce, softening and turning irresistibly creamy in the oven.

Step 4: Drizzle with Olive Oil

Time to get generous! Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil all over the tomatoes and Feta. This helps the tomatoes caramelize and the cheese to melt without drying out.

Step 5: Flavor It Up

Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt evenly over the tomatoes and the cheese. For extra richness, finish with another 2 tablespoons olive oil right over the top of the Feta, ensuring that flavor soaks in as it bakes.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and let everything roast for 30–35 minutes. You’re looking for tomatoes that are bursting and caramelized, and Feta that’s deliciously soft and golden.

Step 7: Stir, Mash, and Freshen Up

Once it’s out of the oven (your kitchen will smell incredible!), use a spoon to stir and mash the hot Feta and tomatoes together. Add the chopped basil, which instantly infuses the creamy sauce with freshness and aroma.

Step 8: Mix in the Pasta

Toss in your cooked, still-warm bow tie pasta and mix everything thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with that glorious, creamy sauce. Grab a fork—it’s ready to serve hot!

How to Serve BAKED FETA PASTA

Garnishes

The finishing touch is all about fresh flair. Sprinkle on more chopped basil, add a few whole leaves for a gourmet look, or zest a bit of lemon right over the top for citrusy brightness. For those who love a kick, a dash of red pepper flakes offers gentle heat and beautiful color contrast.

Side Dishes

BAKED FETA PASTA is absolutely lovely with a simple green salad on the side—think crisp arugula tossed with lemon and olive oil. Or, serve with warm, crusty bread so you can mop up every last bit of creamy sauce right from your plate. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli make a colorful, healthy marriage alongside your pasta bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Craving a little extra sparkle? Spoon BAKED FETA PASTA into individual ramekins and top with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for texture. You can also add roasted chicken or sautéed shrimp for a heartier meal, or swirl in baby spinach just before serving for a pop of green and extra nutrients.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of BAKED FETA PASTA can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. While the pasta may soak up some sauce, a quick splash of olive oil revives everything perfectly for your next craving.

Freezing

Although fresh is best, you can freeze portions of BAKED FETA PASTA in tightly-sealed containers for up to a month. Let it cool completely before freezing to keep that creamy texture intact. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When it comes time to reheat, simply warm your BAKED FETA PASTA gently on the stove over low heat, stirring with a splash of water or olive oil if needed. The microwave works in a pinch, too—just be sure to stir halfway through to distribute the creamy goodness.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled Feta instead of a block?

While you technically can, a block of Feta melts down into a much creamier, richer sauce than the pre-crumbled variety, which is often drier. For the best BAKED FETA PASTA experience, go for the whole block.

Are there alternatives to bow tie pasta?

Absolutely! You can use penne, rotini, or any short pasta that will hold onto the sauce. Even spaghetti or linguine will work if that’s all you have—just don’t skip anything that’s too delicate or thin.

Can I add vegetables or proteins?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in roasted veggies like zucchini or bell peppers, or add cooked chicken, salmon, or shrimp at the end. You can make BAKED FETA PASTA as hearty or as light as you like.

Is there a dairy-free or vegan option?

There are now some great plant-based Feta alternatives available at many grocery stores. Swap the regular Feta for your favorite dairy-free block—just keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary a bit from the classic version.

What if my sauce seems a little thick?

This can happen, especially after cooling. Just add a splash of reserved pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil when stirring everything together after baking. It’ll loosen right up and become silky again.

Final Thoughts

This is the kind of dish that turns anyone into a home-cooking hero, and every forkful is guaranteed to make you smile. So grab those simple ingredients, invite a friend, and treat yourselves to the magic of BAKED FETA PASTA—your dinner table will thank you. Happy cooking!

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