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
Scale
- 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