I still remember the first time I made baked feta pasta. Like many, I stumbled across this dish while scrolling through social media, watching countless videos of tomatoes bursting, feta melting, and everything blending into a creamy, dreamy sauce. It looked too good to be true—could something this simple really taste as amazing as everyone claimed? The answer was a resounding yes.
Baked feta pasta is the ultimate easy sheet pan dinner. With just a handful of ingredients, minimal prep work, and a single baking dish, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Whether you’re a beginner cook or just looking for a stress-free recipe, this dish is foolproof. It’s packed with bright, tangy flavors from the tomatoes and feta, balanced with aromatic herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Plus, it’s a quick and healthy meal that requires almost no effort.

Why This Recipe is Special
The beauty of baked feta pasta lies in its simplicity. Unlike traditional pasta sauces that require simmering and constant stirring, this recipe lets the oven do all the work. As the tomatoes roast, they release their natural juices, creating a rich, slightly sweet sauce. The feta softens and blends into the mix, forming a creamy, salty base that coats every bite of pasta perfectly.
Another reason this dish is so popular is its versatility. You can easily customize it by swapping ingredients, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting the seasoning to your taste. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly option for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients and Preparation
Here’s what you’ll need to make baked feta pasta:
- Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: These small tomatoes are ideal because they burst easily when roasted, creating a juicy sauce. If you don’t have them, you can use chopped Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes.
- Feta Cheese: The star of the show. Feta adds a creamy, tangy flavor to the dish. If you’re not a fan of feta, try goat cheese, ricotta, or even a mild cream cheese.
- Olive Oil: Essential for roasting the tomatoes and giving the dish a smooth, rich texture. High-quality extra virgin olive oil works best.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the flavor. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use dried oregano, basil, or thyme.
- Salt: A little bit of salt brings out the flavors of the tomatoes and cheese. Be careful not to add too much since feta is already salty.
- Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, herby finish. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use basil pesto, but reduce the olive oil slightly.
- Pasta: Bow tie pasta is commonly used, but you can swap it for penne, rotini, or any short pasta.
- Optional Add-ins: Want to mix things up? Try adding roasted bell peppers, olives, spinach, or even a handful of arugula for extra greens.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Arrange the Ingredients in a Baking Dish
Place the tomatoes in a medium-sized baking dish. Make sure they’re evenly spread out so they roast properly. Position the block of feta cheese in the center.
Step 3: Drizzle with Olive Oil and Seasoning
Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and salt over the top. Then, drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil directly onto the feta to help it soften and melt.
Step 4: Bake Until Soft and Bubbly
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. The tomatoes should burst, releasing their juices, and the feta should be soft and slightly golden on top.
Step 5: Stir Everything Together
Once out of the oven, use a fork or spoon to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes. The result should be a rich, creamy sauce.
Step 6: Add the Pasta and Basil
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and the warm, cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately while warm. The flavors are at their best when fresh, but leftovers store well too.
Beginner Tips and Notes
- How to Tell When the Tomatoes Are Ready: The tomatoes should look wrinkled and slightly burst. If they haven’t popped open, gently press them with a spoon to release their juices.
- If the Sauce Is Too Thick: Add a splash of pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to loosen it up.
- What to Do If the Feta Doesn’t Melt Completely: Not all feta brands melt the same way. If your cheese stays crumbly, mash it with a fork and mix well with the tomatoes.
- Want a Spicy Kick? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to amp up the heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair It with a Side Salad: A simple arugula or Greek salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly.
- Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: Toss in some sliced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers before baking for extra veggies.
- Bread on the Side: Serve with crusty bread to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days.
To reheat: Add a tablespoon of water and microwave in 30-second intervals until warm. Stir in a little olive oil to refresh the flavors. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change.
Ready to Try It?
This easy baked feta pasta recipe is proof that simple ingredients can create incredible flavors. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing friends and family, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments. Happy cooking!
FAQ About Baked Feta Pasta
Yes! If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, ricotta, cream cheese, or even Halloumi. Keep in mind that feta has a tangy, salty flavor that contributes to the dish’s signature taste.
Short pasta like bow tie (farfalle), penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best because it holds the sauce well. However, you can also use spaghetti or linguine if preferred.
Absolutely! You can replace feta with a dairy-free cheese alternative or use blended cashews mixed with lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a creamy, vegan-friendly version.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water and warm it in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot. Stir in a little olive oil to refresh the flavors. Freezing is not recommended.
More Relevant Recipes
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This baked feta pasta is a quick and healthy meal packed with rich, tangy flavors from roasted tomatoes and creamy feta cheese. It’s an easy sheet pan dinner perfect for busy weeknights and beginner cooks looking for a foolproof dish.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 1 (8-ounce) block of feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats, place the grape tomatoes in a medium-sized baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spread.
- Prepare the feta: Position the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt over everything. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil directly onto the feta for extra creaminess.
- Bake until soft and golden: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens. The tomatoes should look wrinkled and juicy, while the cheese should be golden on top.
- Mash and mix: Remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes. Stir well to create a creamy sauce, ensuring all the flavors combine.
- Combine with pasta: Add the cooked bow tie pasta directly into the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Stir in the fresh chopped basil for added flavor.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy the pasta warm. Garnish with extra basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Notes
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of reserved pasta water while mixing.
- To add more depth of flavor, mix in roasted garlic, olives, or spinach before serving.
- For extra crunch, top with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs.
- If the feta doesn’t melt completely, use a spoon to mash it further and mix it well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 451
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 50mg