If you’re searching for a dish that’s equally stunning and simple, this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is about to become your new kitchen obsession. Bursting with juicy roasted grape tomatoes and creamy, perfectly softened feta cheese, this dish blends fresh herbs and silky olive oil into a sauce that clings beautifully to tender bow tie pasta. From the first bite, you’ll savor a wonderful harmony of flavors and textures that feels like comfort food with a gourmet twist. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its straightforward, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: from the sweet, juicy tomatoes that burst open in the oven to the creamy feta cheese that creates the sauce’s rich base, every element adds depth and balance to the final dish.
- Grape tomatoes (2 ½ cups): Their small size makes them perfect for roasting and bursting for that luscious, juicy texture.
- Feta cheese (8 oz block): The hero of the recipe, it softens beautifully to form a creamy sauce when baked with the tomatoes.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant herbal note that elevates the simplicity of the dish.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the freshness.
- Olive oil (5 tablespoons): Creates a silky finish and aids roasting, while adding richness.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Gives a pop of green color and a bright, aromatic freshness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Bow tie pasta (12 oz, cooked): Its shape holds the luscious sauce perfectly for every flavorful bite.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for roasting. While it’s heating up, wash and dry your grape tomatoes to ensure they roast beautifully without excess moisture.
Step 2: Assemble the Baking Dish
Place the grape tomatoes evenly in a medium-sized baking dish. Center the block of feta cheese right in the middle—this focal point will transform into the creamy sauce everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Olive Oil and Seasonings
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese to help them roast evenly and add richness. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and salt evenly over everything for that signature Mediterranean flavor. Then drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil right over the feta to keep it luscious during baking.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Roasted
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the tomatoes to burst open and the feta to soften and become easily spreadable. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Mix and Add Fresh Basil
Remove the dish from the oven and stir the softened feta and roasted tomatoes together until you get a creamy, vibrant sauce. Add the chopped fresh basil and mix thoroughly to infuse the dish with fresh, herbal brightness.
Step 6: Combine with Cooked Pasta
Finally, toss in the cooked and drained bow tie pasta until every piece is coated with that velvety sauce. The result is a dish so satisfying and flavorful, it feels like a special occasion every time you eat it.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To take your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe to the next level, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top. A handful of pine nuts or toasted breadcrumbs add delightful crunch. A fresh drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few whole basil leaves can also brighten presentation and flavor wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish works beautifully alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm, crusty baguette slices are also ideal for soaking up any extra sauce. Light roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and tomato salad can add fresh textures to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve your baked feta pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or rustic ceramic bowls. Alternatively, pile the pasta high on a white plate with a fresh basil sprig on top for a classy restaurant-style look. Offering a small side ramekin of extra basil pesto lets guests customize their pasta experience further.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though that seems unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld nicely overnight, making it delicious the next day too.
Freezing
This baked feta pasta recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in a suitable container for up to one month. Keep in mind the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every minute to ensure even heating and maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s unique salty tang and crumbly texture make this dish special. While you might experiment with similar cheeses like goat cheese, it won’t yield the same creamy yet crumbly consistency that makes this recipe stand out.
Is it necessary to use grape tomatoes?
Grape tomatoes roast beautifully because of their size and sweetness, but cherry tomatoes can also work well. Just keep in mind that larger tomatoes may take longer to burst and roast evenly.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative, but the flavor and texture will differ. Roasted tomatoes and herbs will still make for a tasty pasta, but it won’t have the classic creamy tang from feta.
What pasta shapes work best for Baked Feta Pasta Recipe?
Bow tie pasta is excellent because its folds catch the sauce, but you can use penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti—just make sure to use a shape that holds onto sauce well for the best experience.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins?
Absolutely! Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach make great additions. For protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can turn this into a heartier meal without overpowering the original flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how simple ingredients come together in this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe to deliver such incredible flavor and comfort. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something fuss-free yet impressive, or for casual dinner parties that call for a crowd-pleaser. I hope you’ll try it soon and discover how easy it is to transform a few pantry staples into a stunning, mouthwatering meal that everyone will ask for again and again.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish made by roasting grape tomatoes and feta cheese together, then mixing with fresh basil and tender bow tie pasta. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal that combines the creaminess of baked feta with sweet roasted tomatoes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
Dairy
- 1 (8 oz) block of feta cheese
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Oils
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place the grape tomatoes evenly in a medium-sized baking dish, creating a base layer.
- Add Feta Cheese: Position the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes, allowing it to soften and roast evenly.
- Drizzle Olive Oil: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta block, ensuring even coverage.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon salt evenly over the entire dish.
- Additional Olive Oil: Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil directly over the feta cheese to enhance creaminess.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens and turns creamy.
- Combine Components: Remove the dish from the oven and stir together the softened feta and roasted tomatoes until well mixed.
- Add Basil: Stir in ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, mixing thoroughly to incorporate fresh herbal flavors.
- Add Pasta: Fold in the cooked and drained 12 oz of bow tie pasta, mixing until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy tomato feta sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot immediately, enjoying this rich and flavorful baked feta pasta dish.
Notes
- Use ripe grape or cherry tomatoes for best roasting and sweetness.
- Feel free to substitute bow tie pasta with penne, fusilli, or any short pasta of your choice.
- You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking for a slight spicy kick.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
- This dish can be made vegetarian, but not vegan due to the feta cheese.
