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Easy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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This Easy Baked Feta Pasta recipe features a creamy, tangy baked feta and roasted tomato sauce combined with tender pasta for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 1 shallot, quartered
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 (8-oz.) block feta cheese
  • 3 thyme sprigs

For the Pasta

  • 12 oz. short tubular pasta (such as macaroni or cavatappi)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tomatoes: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 400°F. In a large ovenproof skillet or medium baking dish, combine the quartered shallot, smashed garlic cloves, cherry or grape tomatoes, and all but 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Season with kosher salt and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, then toss everything together to combine evenly.
  2. Add Feta and Herbs: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle the reserved 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the feta. Scatter the thyme sprigs evenly over the tomatoes and feta to infuse the sauce with their aromatic flavor during baking.
  3. Bake the Sauce: Bake the sauce in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta cheese is golden and softened on top, creating a rich, creamy base for the pasta sauce.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the short tubular pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce later.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove the baked feta and tomato sauce from the oven. To the sauce, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon zest if using. Stir everything together until well combined and the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
  6. Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • You can substitute different herbs like oregano or rosemary if thyme is not available.
  • Adding lemon zest brightens the dish but is optional based on preference.
  • Reserve pasta water is key to adjusting sauce consistency — add more if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Serves well with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently on stovetop or microwave.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/easy-baked-feta-pasta-recipe/