If you have not yet discovered the joy of a Baked Feta Pasta Recipe, you are in for a serious treat. This dish is a glorious combination of roasted grape tomatoes and creamy, tangy feta cheese that melts into a luscious sauce, perfectly coating tender bow tie pasta. The Italian seasoning and fresh basil bring just the right hint of herbaceous freshness, transforming a few simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends at dinner, this recipe has a special kind of magic that brings warmth and smiles to the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is its simplicity—just a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and color. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect creamy-tangy-roasted tomato harmony.
- Grape tomatoes (2 ½ cups): These sweet little bursts add juiciness and a vibrant red color that becomes rich and syrupy when roasted.
- Feta cheese (1 block, 8 oz): The star of the dish, providing that creamy, salty tang that becomes irresistibly soft as it bakes.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that infuses an earthy, savory depth.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the flavors and balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- Olive oil (5 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps achieve that golden crust on the feta while bringing everything together.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a fresh green pop and peppery notes that brighten the whole dish.
- Bow tie pasta (12 oz): The perfect pasta shape to catch and hold the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This temperature is perfect for roasting the tomatoes until they burst and for softening and browning the feta cheese just right.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Place the grape tomatoes in a large baking dish, then drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them. Sprinkle the salt and Italian seasoning, then toss everything together to make sure each tomato is nicely coated. This ensures every roasted bite has a balanced, herby flavor that complements the creamy cheese.
Step 3: Add the Feta
Center the block of feta cheese right on top of the tomatoes in the baking dish. Drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil all over the cheese. This step is key for achieving that luscious, golden crust on the feta as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake Until Perfect
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst open, releasing their silky juices, and the feta cheese is soft, slightly golden, and invitingly creamy. This roasting melds the flavors together in such a unique way.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your feta and tomatoes are doing their magic in the oven, cook your bow tie pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it well but keep it warm so it’s ready to mingle immediately with the sauce.
Step 6: Mash and Mix
Take the baking dish out of the oven and grab a fork. Gently mash the feta and burst tomatoes together, stirring them into a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with freshness and flavor. This little step turns the ingredients into a perfect pasta sauce.
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Add the warm cooked pasta straight into the baking dish. Toss everything thoroughly so that every piece of bow tie pasta is luxuriously coated in that creamy feta-tomato sauce. This is where all the elements truly come together.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Finally, mix in the chopped fresh basil for a punch of color and fragrance. Give it one last toss to evenly distribute the vibrant herb, and your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is ready to delight. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if you like.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is a must-have garnish because it adds a pop of freshness and a slight peppery flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy feta sauce. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for a mild kick or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, something light and refreshing to balance the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crunchy baguette is also a fantastic choice to scoop up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this in individual mini baking dishes right from the oven, so everyone gets their own bubbling personal portion. Or toss in some roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers with the tomatoes for added color and texture diversity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep any leftover Baked Feta Pasta tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce might thicken, but a quick stir will bring it back to its creamy glory.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pasta for up to 1 month. Store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of water or olive oil to revive its smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works wonderfully, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti can be delicious alternatives. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
You can swap feta cheese with a vegan cheese alternative that melts well, and make sure your pasta is egg-free. Roasting the tomatoes with seasoning still provides fantastic flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe itself is mild, with bright, fresh flavors. If you want a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes either during baking or as a garnish.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas would complement the creamy sauce nicely and turn it into a heartier meal.
What’s the best way to store fresh basil?
Wrap basil leaves gently in a damp paper towel and store them in a resealable plastic bag in the fridge. This helps keep them fresh and vibrant longer.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it turns simple ingredients into pure comfort joy with minimal effort. I promise, once you try it, you’ll find endless reasons to make it again and again, whether for weeknight dinners or special occasions. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fall in love with this creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious pasta dish.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and flavorful baked feta pasta featuring juicy roasted grape tomatoes and tender feta cheese, tossed with bow tie pasta and fresh basil for a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Dairy
- 1 (8 oz) brick of feta cheese
Pantry
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tomatoes and feta.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, place the grape tomatoes and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning over the tomatoes, then toss to coat evenly.
- Add the Feta: Center the block of feta cheese among the tomatoes and drizzle the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta to ensure it bakes creamy and flavorful.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and release their juices, and the feta softens and turns golden brown.
- Prepare the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, keeping it warm for mixing.
- Mash and Mix: Remove the baked dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta and burst tomatoes, stirring until a creamy sauce forms.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta with the creamy tomato and feta sauce.
- Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, toss once more, and serve immediately. Garnish with extra basil if desired for added freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe grape tomatoes for best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with a similar brined cheese if preferred.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently for up to 2 days.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
