Baked Feta Pasta

$- 200g feta cheese - 300g cherry tomatoes - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 250g pasta of choice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon - Additional vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, etc.) - Protein add-ins (chicken, shrimp, etc.) - Different cheese alternatives Gathering the right ingredients is key to making baked feta pasta a hit. Start with the required ingredients. Feta cheese is the star of this dish. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture. The cherry tomatoes burst with flavor when baked. Garlic gives the dish an aromatic kick. Olive oil adds richness, while oregano brings a nice herbal note. You can adjust the chili flakes to make your dish mild or spicy. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves and lemon zest add brightness at the end. Feel free to explore optional ingredients. Adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers can boost nutrition. If you want more protein, try adding chicken or shrimp. You can also switch the feta for different cheese, like goat cheese, for a new taste. For the full recipe, check out the details and step-by-step instructions provided. - First, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). - Grab a baking dish and place your block of feta cheese in the center. - Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes. - Now, sprinkle minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper over the feta and tomatoes. - Bake everything for about 30 minutes until the feta is golden and the tomatoes burst. - While that bakes, cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside. - Once the feta and tomatoes are done, take them out of the oven. - Use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. - Mix in your cooked pasta and make sure it’s all combined well. - Adjust the seasoning if needed. - Serve hot, adding fresh basil leaves and lemon zest on top for a nice touch. For the complete cooking details, check the Full Recipe. Enjoy this simple yet yummy dish! - Choosing the best feta cheese Use high-quality feta for great taste. Look for a creamy texture and a tangy flavor. Feta made in Greece often has the best taste. Crumbled feta works well, but a block is ideal for baking. - Cooking pasta to the right consistency Cook your pasta until just al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. The pasta will cook a bit more once mixed with the baked feta and tomatoes. Always save a bit of pasta water. It can help make the sauce creamy. - Pairing with side dishes or salads Baked feta pasta pairs well with a simple green salad. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness. You could also serve it with garlic bread for a hearty meal. - Using as a main or a starter This dish shines as a main course. However, you can also serve it as a starter for a dinner party. Just serve smaller portions and add a garnish like basil. - Overcooking the feta and tomatoes Be careful not to overcook the feta and tomatoes. Bake them until the feta is golden and the tomatoes burst. This helps create a creamy sauce without drying out the ingredients. - Not seasoning properly Season your dish well. Use enough salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. Taste before serving and adjust if needed. A sprinkle of lemon juice at the end can really brighten the dish. {{image_2}} For baked feta pasta, you can use many pasta shapes. Penne and rigatoni are my favorites. They hold the sauce well. You can also try fusilli or farfalle for fun twists. If you need gluten-free options, choose pasta made from brown rice or chickpeas. These work great without losing flavor. To boost the taste, consider adding spices and herbs. Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can brighten the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds warmth. You can also toss in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients. If you want a creamier sauce, try adding cream cheese or mascarpone. Mix in about 100g with the feta before baking. This will give you a rich texture. Adjust the pasta ratio to keep the dish balanced. You may need a bit less pasta to maintain creaminess. After enjoying your Baked Feta Pasta, store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents odors. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. Just make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps maintain the taste and texture. To freeze, let the dish cool completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. You can freeze Baked Feta Pasta for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or on the stove. Add a splash of water if it seems dry. For quicker meals, prep your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the garlic and tomatoes and store them together. You can even cube the feta early. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble everything in the baking dish. This makes my weeknight cooking fast and easy! Baked feta pasta is a simple dish that combines baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes. This dish became popular on social media, especially during 2020. It is easy to make and tastes great. The cheese gets creamy, while the tomatoes burst with flavor. You mix this with pasta for a satisfying meal. The dish is great for busy weeknights. Yes, you can make baked feta pasta vegan. Simply swap out the feta cheese for a plant-based cheese. There are many tasty vegan options now. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Use whole grain or lentil pasta for a healthy twist. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish. To reheat leftovers, use the oven or a microwave. For the oven, set it to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 minutes. In a microwave, heat a portion for 1-2 minutes. Stir it halfway through to heat evenly. This helps keep the flavor and texture. Baked Feta Pasta is a simple, tasty dish. We covered the main ingredients, steps, and tips for success. You can customize it with veggies or protein. Avoid mistakes like overcooking and under-seasoning. Remember to store leftovers properly for freshness. Explore different pasta types and flavors too. This dish is versatile and fun to make. Try it tonight for a delicious meal!$

Discover the magic of Baked Feta Pasta, a delicious weeknight dish that's as easy to make as it is satisfying. With creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, this one-pot meal is perfect for busy evenings and can be customized with your favorite veggies or proteins. Ready to impress at your dinner table? Click through for the full recipe and step-by-step instructions to create this flavor-packed dish that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

200g feta cheese

300g cherry tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

250g pasta of choice (penne or rigatoni work well)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes.

Sprinkle the minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper over the feta and tomatoes.

Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the feta is golden and the tomatoes have burst.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.

Mix in the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is well combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon zest for a bright finish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4