If you’re looking for a quick and indulgent meal, baked feta pasta is your answer. This trendy dish features creamy feta cheese baked to perfection alongside fresh tomatoes, creating a rich sauce that clings beautifully to al dente pasta. With minimal ingredients and effort required, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at gatherings. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures in every bite!
Ingredients
- 200g pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 400g cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is 10 minutes, and cooking time is 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately 410 calories, 18g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. This is based on a standard serving size of one-fourth of the recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, mixing gently.
- Make space in the center and place the block of feta cheese.
- Season everything with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until tomatoes are blistered.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and stir the tomatoes and feta together.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute the cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers or zucchini for a different flavor profile. Additionally, swap feta cheese for goat cheese or a vegan cheese alternative to cater to dietary preferences.
Serving and Pairings
Baked feta pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. You can also serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the texture may change when thawed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy texture.
- Using too much salt can overpower the dish; taste before adding more.
- Not stirring the feta and tomatoes well enough may leave some pasta unflavored.
- Using low-quality feta can affect the creaminess of the sauce.
- Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme for added flavor.
- For a creamier sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Adding spinach or kale can boost the nutritional value.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use regular tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes provide a sweeter flavor and roast better, enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish holds up well for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, by substituting feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative and ensuring the pasta is egg-free, you can easily make this dish vegan.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne work best as they hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta of your choice.
How can I enhance the flavor of the dish?
For enhanced flavor, consider adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes along with the cherry tomatoes before baking.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions to turn this dish into a complete meal.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, baked feta pasta is generally well-received by kids due to its creamy texture and mild flavors.
Conclusion
Baked feta pasta is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. Its creamy sauce, vibrant tomatoes, and al dente pasta make it a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe for a quick dinner that will impress family and friends alike!
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g pasta such as fusilli or penne
- 200 g block of feta cheese
- 400 g cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, mixing gently.
- Make space in the center and place the block of feta cheese.
- Season everything with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until tomatoes are blistered.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and stir the tomatoes and feta together.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
