Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Baked Feta Pasta is the irresistible, hands-off dinner your weeknight routine has been craving! Imagine tangy feta melting into a creamy sauce, juicy grape tomatoes bursting with flavor, and al dente bow tie pasta all coming together in one stunningly simple bake. This dish delivers unbeatable flavor and color with minimal fuss, making it a favorite in my kitchen—and soon to be a favorite in yours. Whether you’re a feta fanatic, a pasta lover, or just searching for a crowd-pleasing meal, this Baked Feta Pasta will light up your table and delight every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Feta Pasta is all about the harmony between fresh, straightforward ingredients. Each one pulls its weight, bringing vivid color, creamy texture, and crave-worthy tastes to every bite.

• Grape tomatoes: Their sweetness concentrates as they roast, balancing the salty feta with little bites of juicy flavor.
• Feta cheese (8 oz brick): The star of the show, this briny cheese melts to create a luscious, tangy sauce that brings everything together.
• Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs weaves in a layer of complexity and classic Mediterranean notes.
• Salt: Keeps all the flavors popping and bright—don’t skip it!
• Olive oil: Adds silkiness, helps the tomatoes blister, and transforms the feta into a creamy, dreamy sauce.
• Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled at the end, it adds a burst of color and garden-fresh aroma.
• Bow tie pasta (12 oz): “Farfalle” pasta holds onto that delicious sauce with every scoop, making each forkful satisfying.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 F. Grab a medium-sized baking dish and scatter the grape tomatoes across the bottom. There’s no need for anything fancy here; a standard Pyrex or ceramic baker works perfectly.

Step 2: Place the Feta

Take your block of feta cheese and nestle it right in the center of the tomatoes. Positioning it in the middle ensures it softens evenly and is surrounded by all those juice-releasing tomatoes as they roast.

Step 3: Season and Drizzle

Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta, making sure everything gets a glossy coating. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt over both the cheese and tomatoes—don’t be shy, the herbs are crucial for flavor! Follow with a final drizzle of the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil right over the feta for a gorgeous golden finish.

Step 4: Roast Until Perfect

Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for tomatoes that are visibly bursting and a feta brick that’s soft and golden at the edges. This magical transformation is where all the flavor gets concentrated!

Step 5: Stir and Finish

Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven (it’s hot and bubbling!) and use a spoon to stir and mash the soft feta with the roasted tomatoes. Add the chopped fresh basil—the heat will bring out its aroma—then stir again until everything is creamy and well mixed.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add your warm, cooked bow tie pasta directly to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the noodles are coated in the creamy, tomato-flecked sauce. Serve right away to maximize the silky texture and fresh flavors.

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil right before serving makes all the difference, but you can also add extra cracked black pepper or a shower of grated lemon zest for a bright twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some toasted pine nuts or a handful of arugula for color and crunch.

Side Dishes

Baked Feta Pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus for a vibrant plate. Warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind. Even a simple cucumber salad can add freshness and balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon individual portions into shallow bowls for a rustic look, or pile everything high onto a platter and garnish with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a dramatic tableside presentation. For a fun twist, serve Baked Feta Pasta in small ramekins or as a side to grilled chicken or fish at your next dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, Baked Feta Pasta stores brilliantly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors mellow and deepen, making leftovers especially tasty the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is best, you can freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to one month. Just be aware the texture of the feta may become slightly crumbly, but it will still be delicious after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop individual portions into the microwave with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. If you prefer, gently rewarm in a skillet over low heat, stirring until creamy. Add a little extra fresh basil to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Baked Feta Pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta, like penne, rotini, or shells, will work well and soak up the flavorful sauce. Choose your favorite or use what’s on hand for equally delicious results.

Is it okay to use crumbled feta instead of a block?

A block of feta is ideal because it melts into a creamier texture, but if crumbled feta is all you have, go ahead and use it—it’ll still taste amazing, though it may be a bit less smooth.

What can I add for more protein?

For a protein boost, stir in cooked shredded chicken, sliced grilled sausage, or canned white beans just before serving. They all complement the flavors of Baked Feta Pasta beautifully.

Can I make Baked Feta Pasta dairy free?

If you’re dairy-free, look for vegan feta-style cheese at your local grocery store. Swap it in for the traditional feta—while the texture’s a bit different, the dish will still be creamy and flavorful.

How can I make Baked Feta Pasta spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomatoes before roasting, or toss in thinly sliced fresh chili when mixing everything together. You’ll get a delicious, gentle heat running through every bite.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried Baked Feta Pasta before, now’s your moment to discover what all the buzz is about! It’s fast, fuss-free, and bursting with flavor—the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Give it a try and share it with friends or family; it might just become your newest eating obsession.

Print