If you are searching for a vibrant and soul-satisfying dish that comes together effortlessly yet dazzles with flavor, then this Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. It’s a stunning celebration of creamy feta cheese perfectly mingled with burst cherry tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and tender pasta, creating a harmonious plate that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, this dish promises to brighten up your meal with its rich textures and bright, tangy notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple but bursting with flavor, these ingredients each play a crucial role in building the magic of this recipe. From luscious cheese to sweet tomatoes and fresh herbs, every element adds a layer of delicious depth and appealing color.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/3 Cup + a Drizzle): This silky oil is the base for roasting, infusing the tomatoes and feta with richness and helping everything blend beautifully.
- Feta Cheese (200 grams): Creamy sheep’s or Danish feta adds a tangy, salty creaminess that transforms the dish into something truly special.
- Red Chilli Flakes (Pinch): Just a hint of heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and cheese.
- Cherry Tomatoes (600 grams): These juicy bursts bring vibrant color and a naturally sweet acidity that’s key to the sauce.
- Shallot (½, finely diced): Adds a subtle savory note that enhances the tomato’s freshness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, finely diced): The aromatic heart of the dish, providing warmth and complexity.
- Sea Salt: Elevates all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- Cracked Pepper: Adds a gentle bite and spice.
- Thyme (3-4 sprigs): Herbal freshness that offers a lovely earthy background.
- Pasta (300 grams): Whether shells, penne, bowties, or rigatoni, your preferred pasta soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Reserved Pasta Water (½ Cup): The secret ingredient to loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta beautifully.
- Basil Leaves (1/3 Cup): Rinsed and torn, they provide a fragrant, fresh pop right at the end.
- Lemon Zest (from 1 lemon, optional): Adds a bright zing that lifts the entire dish wonderfully.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Celsius and position your rack in the center. Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil across the base of a 33 x 23 cm baking dish to ensure nothing sticks and to add initial flavor.
Step 2: Arrange Feta and Tomatoes
Set the chunk of feta cheese right in the center of the dish and sprinkle it with a pinch of red chilli flakes for a subtle kick. Nestle the whole cherry tomatoes around the cheese, then scatter the finely diced shallot and garlic evenly over everything. This layering is how the flavors will meld during baking, creating a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Season and Roast
Pour the remaining olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese, then toss the tomatoes a little to coat them beautifully in the oil. Sprinkle generously with sea salt and cracked pepper, tuck thyme sprigs among the tomatoes, and pop the dish into the oven to bake for 20 minutes. This initial roast softens the tomatoes and allows the feta to start melting down into creamy goodness.
Step 4: Grill for Color and Char
After 20 minutes, switch your oven to the grill setting and crank the temperature to 230 degrees Celsius. Return the dish to the oven on the same middle rack and roast for an additional 10-20 minutes until the feta turns golden brown and the tomatoes burst with a tantalizing char. Keep an eye at 10 minutes so it doesn’t burn—this bit adds great texture and deep flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes finish roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al-dente. Drain it, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water for later, which will help you achieve that perfect sauce consistency.
Step 6: Combine and Toss
Pull the hot baked feta and tomato dish from the oven, remove the thyme stalks, and tear in most of your basil leaves. Stir the now creamy feta into the tomatoes, crushing the tomatoes gently as you mix to meld all those wonderful flavors. Next, fold in the warm pasta, coating every piece with the luscious sauce. If it feels too thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired saucy texture.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining basil leaves and some finely grated lemon zest on top, adding a fragrant and vibrant finishing note. Serve warm and prepare for plenty of compliments!
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh torn basil and a sprinkle of lemon zest bring freshness and a pop of color, making the dish look as inviting as it tastes. If you love a bit of texture, a handful of toasted pine nuts or a grating of Parmesan can be wonderful additions.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with light, crisp salads such as an arugula and lemon salad or a simple cucumber and dill mix. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or grilled chicken can complement the creamy tomato flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the baked feta directly from the baking dish with plenty of crusty bread on the side for mopping up the sauce. For a dinner party, plate portions individually and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and cracked pepper on top just before serving to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen after a day, making it a delicious next-day meal you’ll look forward to. Consume within 3 days for best taste and freshness.
Freezing
While pasta dishes with creamy sauces are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, but be mindful the texture may soften slightly.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring as the sauce can separate. Reheating this way revives the comforting creaminess perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is key for the tangy creaminess that defines this dish, but if you prefer, halloumi or ricotta salata can be substituted. Keep in mind these cheeses have different melting properties and flavors, so it will change the texture and taste slightly.
What pasta shape works best with this recipe?
Pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, shells, or bowties are all excellent choices because their curves and ridges grab onto the sauce wonderfully. Spaghetti also works well if that’s what you have on hand.
Is this dish spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?
The recipe includes only a pinch of red chilli flakes, giving a subtle warmth that complements the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes. If you prefer it milder, simply omit the chilli flakes, or add extra if you love a bit more heat.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, you can try substituting feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well, though the flavor profile will differ. Roasted tomatoes and garlic still deliver amazing flavor, so it’s worth experimenting!
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The total time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes, which includes roasting and pasta cooking time. Most of the time is hands-off baking, making it an easy and relaxed meal to prepare.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe that makes it a total winner to add to your dinner repertoire. Easy to prepare with a handful of simple ingredients, it transforms everyday pantry staples into a dish brimming with character, comfort, and bold flavor. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience that moment when creamy, tangy feta meets sweet roasted tomatoes and pasta in perfect harmony. It’s comfort food elevated—and you’re going to love every bite!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta cheese combined with burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, shallots, and fresh herbs, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The baking process caramelizes the tomatoes and melts the feta, creating a luscious sauce that coats every bite. This comforting yet elegant pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Feta and Tomato Base
- 1/3 Cup + a Drizzle Extra Virgin Olive Oil (85 ml + extra)
- 200 grams Feta Cheese (Creamy Sheep’s Feta or Danish)
- Pinch Red Chilli Flakes
- 600 grams Cherry Tomatoes, whole, stem removed
- 1/2 Shallot, finely diced
- 4 cloves Garlic, finely diced
- Sea Salt, to taste
- Cracked Pepper, to taste
- 3–4 Sprigs Thyme
Pasta and Garnishes
- 300 grams Pasta (Shells, Penne, Bowties, or Rigatoni recommended)
- 1/2 Cup Reserved Pasta Water (125 ml)
- 1/3 Cup Basil Leaves, rinsed and torn
- 1 Lemon, finely zested (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) Bake setting and position the oven rack in the center.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the base of a 33 x 23 cm baking dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Place and Season Feta: Place the feta cheese block in the center of the baking dish and sprinkle a pinch of red chili flakes over it for a subtle heat.
- Add Tomatoes, Shallot, and Garlic: Arrange the rinsed cherry tomatoes all around the feta. Sprinkle the finely diced shallots and garlic evenly over the tomatoes and feta. Pour 1/3 cup of olive oil over the entire dish.
- Coat Ingredients: Gently stir the tomatoes and shallots in the olive oil to ensure they are well coated. Season the dish lightly with ground sea salt and cracked black pepper for balanced taste.
- Add Thyme and Bake: Place the sprigs of thyme on top and bake the dish for 20 minutes. While baking, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil on the stove for the pasta.
- Grill to Brown: After 20 minutes, switch the oven to the Grill setting and increase temperature to 230°C (446°F). Grill the baking dish for 10-20 minutes until the feta is golden brown and the tomatoes have burst and started to char. Check after 10 minutes and continue grilling in 5-minute increments to avoid burning.
- Cook Pasta: During the final baking stage, add your chosen pasta to the boiling salted water and cook until just al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Remove from Oven: Carefully take the hot baked feta and tomatoes out of the oven once the desired golden color and char are achieved.
- Remove Thyme and Add Basil: Remove the thyme sprigs from the dish. Tear most of the basil leaves and add them in. Stir the feta into the tomatoes, gently crushing the tomatoes to form a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the baked feta and tomato mixture. Gently fold the pasta through the sauce to coat each piece thoroughly.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until a silky, saucy consistency is achieved.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with remaining basil leaves and sprinkle fine lemon zest over the top for fresh brightness. Serve warm immediately.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Enjoy: Savor this flavorful and creamy baked feta pasta fresh from the oven for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Choose a sturdy baking dish to handle the oven temperatures and fit the pasta ingredients well.
- You can substitute cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes if preferred.
- Adjust chili flakes to taste or omit if sensitive to spice.
- Use reserved pasta water gradually to avoid making the sauce too watery.
- If lemon zest isn’t available, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the final dish.
- For a vegan alternative, use vegan feta cheese and substitute pasta with a gluten-free or vegan option.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
