Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is beloved for its ease, flavor, and minimal prep. Everything bakes in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. The feta turns irresistibly creamy, pairing beautifully with the sweet, roasted tomatoes. It’s also endlessly adaptable—you can add your favorite veggies, herbs, or proteins to make it your own. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing dinner guests, this pasta delivers every time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cherry tomatoes
block of feta cheese
olive oil
garlic cloves
dried oregano or Italian seasoning
salt
black pepper
pasta (such as penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
fresh basil leaves
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, whole garlic cloves (peeled), and drizzle generously with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestled among the tomatoes. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden on top.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Once the baking dish is out of the oven, mash the feta and garlic with a fork, mixing everything into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and serve warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Add vegetables: Try adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the dish before baking.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a diced chili for a kick of heat.
- Use different cheeses: Swap feta for goat cheese or a creamy ricotta for a milder flavor.
- Try different pasta shapes: Short pasta like rotini or fusilli works great for catching all that creamy sauce.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions.
- Make it gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Herb swap: Replace basil with parsley, thyme, or dill for a different twist.
- Lemon zest: A touch of lemon zest added before serving brightens the whole dish.
- Add olives or capers: For a Mediterranean flair, stir in sliced olives or capers.
- Top with breadcrumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs add a pleasant crunch on top.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For best texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.
FAQs
What type of feta works best for baked feta pasta?
A full-fat block of feta cheese (not crumbled) works best. It melts evenly and creates a creamier sauce than pre-crumbled feta.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
Yes, grape tomatoes or any small, ripe tomatoes work well. Just make sure they’re sweet and juicy for the best flavor.
Is it okay to use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Crumbled feta doesn’t melt as well as a block. If that’s all you have, you can use it, but the texture may be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use a vegan feta alternative and make sure your pasta is egg-free to make the recipe fully plant-based.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prepare the baked feta and tomato base ahead, store it in the fridge, and cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve.
What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best as it holds onto the sauce well, but any pasta you like will do.
Can I freeze baked feta pasta?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of feta and tomatoes can become grainy once thawed and reheated.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta, reduce the amount of olive oil, and add more vegetables to boost nutrition.
Does it matter if I use fresh or dried herbs?
Fresh herbs offer the best flavor, especially basil. Dried herbs can be used for seasoning before baking, but finish with fresh if possible.
What can I serve with baked feta pasta?
It pairs well with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Baked Feta Pasta is a sensationally simple recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with very little effort. Whether you’re short on time or just craving a comforting, cheesy dish, this pasta fits the bill. Its creamy texture, tangy depth, and vibrant color make it a surefire favorite. Try it once, and it’s bound to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.
PrintBaked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, savory, and tangy one-pan pasta dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a block of feta that melts into a luscious sauce. Tossed with pasta and fresh basil, it’s a viral sensation for good reason.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 block (about 7 oz) feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3–4 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe baking dish, add cherry tomatoes and whole peeled garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, surrounded by the tomatoes. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until tomatoes are blistered and feta is golden.
- While baking, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the feta and garlic with a fork, mixing it into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss until well coated.
- Stir in chopped fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Use a block of full-fat feta for best results; crumbled feta won’t melt the same way.
- Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps the sauce emulsify and coat the pasta.
- Try variations like adding veggies, proteins, or different herbs to make it your own.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
