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
Scale
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.
