Baked Feta Pasta
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Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, baked feta pasta is a simple meal that feels special. With minimal prep, it turns everyday ingredients into a satisfying dinner everyone will love.
I still remember the first time I tried baked feta pasta and it instantly became one of those recipes that I knew would stay in my rotation. It is the kind of meal that looks and tastes like it took hours, but in reality, it only needs a handful of ingredients and very little effort. That balance of easy prep and big flavor is exactly why I love it.
What makes this recipe extra special for me is how it transforms something so simple into pure comfort food. The creamy feta melts right in with the tomatoes, creating a rich sauce that feels indulgent without being complicated. I have made it for both busy weeknights and casual get-togethers, and it always gets compliments without fail.
I also love that it is so versatile. You can serve it exactly as is, or add in extras like spinach, chicken, or shrimp to make it even more filling. Every time I make baked feta pasta, it reminds me that great meals do not need to be fussy, they just need good ingredients and a little oven magic.
Items Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to make baked feta pasta:
- Minced garlic – Adds depth and a savory base flavor that enhances the sauce.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes – Roast into a sweet, juicy sauce that pairs perfectly with feta.
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Helps the tomatoes roast evenly while adding richness.
- Salt – Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
- Crushed red pepper flakes – Provide a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce.
- Feta cheese – Melts into the tomatoes, creating a tangy, creamy sauce.
- Rosemary – Infuses the dish with an aromatic, earthy flavor.
- Pasta of choice – Serves as the hearty base that carries the sauce.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
- Switch up the pasta – Try penne, rigatoni, or even whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a different texture.
- Add protein – Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Boost the veggies – Stir in spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Play with herbs – Swap rosemary for basil, thyme, or oregano to change the flavor profile.
- Spice it up – Add more crushed red pepper flakes, or drizzle with hot honey or chili oil for a kick.
- Change the cheese – Use goat cheese or cream cheese for a milder, creamier sauce.
- Make it lighter – Reduce the olive oil slightly or use a lower-fat feta if you want a lighter version.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
In a large oven proof skillet or medium baking dish, combine garlic, tomatoes, and all but 1 tablespoon of oil. Season with salt, pepper flakes, and rosemary. Toss to combine.
Place feta into the center of tomato mixture. Drizzle with the 1 tablespoon of reserved oil. Scatter more rosemary over the block of feta.
Bake until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden on top (40-45 minutes).
In a large pot of boiling water seasoned with salt, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce with the reserved pasta water. Stir until combined.
Note
Roast the tomatoes until they burst and release their juices, since this is what helps create the creamy, flavorful sauce when mixed with the feta.
Storage
You can store baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water, milk, or olive oil to loosen the sauce, since it tends to thicken as it sits. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. This helps bring back the creamy texture and keeps the pasta from drying out.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Choose Block Feta!
Always use a block of feta instead of crumbled feta, because it melts more evenly and creates a creamier sauce.
More Helpful Tips:
- Roast the tomatoes until they burst for the best flavor and texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Toss the pasta into the dish while it is still hot so it absorbs more flavor.
- Use high-quality olive oil for the richest taste.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to keep their flavor bright and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
Baked feta pasta is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a simple appetizer can turn it into a complete meal. A great option is serving it alongside something warm and cheesy, like my Air Fryer Orange Cranberry Baked Brie. The creamy brie with its hint of fruit balances the tangy feta pasta beautifully, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in.
For a protein boost, you can serve this pasta with a side of juicy grilled or air-fried meat. My Pineapple Chicken Kabob in Air Fryer is a fun and flavorful choice, adding a sweet and savory contrast to the pasta. The combination of the rich tomato-feta sauce and the bright pineapple chicken makes for a balanced and satisfying meal.
You can also keep things light by pairing the pasta with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or a side of roasted broccoli adds freshness and crunch that complements the creamy sauce. Whether you go with appetizers, proteins, or veggies, baked feta pasta is versatile enough to fit any occasion.
FAQs
Recipe
Feta Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 pints of cherry or grape tomatoes
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 8 ounce block of feta
- 1 tablespoon of rosemary
- 12 ounces of pasta of choice
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees.
- In a large oven proof skillet or medium baking dish, combine garlic, tomatoes, and all but 1 tablespoon of oil. Season with salt, pepper flakes, and rosemary. Toss to combine.
- Place feta into the center of tomato mixture. Drizzle with the 1 tablespoon of reserved oil. Scatter more rosemary over the block of feta.
- Bake until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden on top (40-45 minutes).
- In a large pot of boiling water seasoned with salt, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Add cooked pasta to sauce with the reserved pasta water. Stir until combined.
Notes
- Use a seasoned block of feta for more flavor
- Add different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning for more flavor
- Toss the pasta into the dish while it is still hot so it absorbs more flavor
