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
Scale
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.
