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Baked Feta Pasta

This dish features a block of feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes, resulting in a creamy, roasted sauce that coats cooked pasta. The feta melts into the tomatoes, creating a smooth, cheesy mixture with a vibrant tomato flavor and a slightly creamy texture, finished with coiled pasta on a plate.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or spaghetti) preferably durum wheat
  • 8 oz feta cheese block full-fat preferred
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or basil optional

Equipment

  • Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
  • Stove and pot for boiling pasta

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta cheese and halved cherry tomatoes into an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using. Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes, until the feta is golden and the tomatoes are bursting and fragrant.
  2. While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. Remove the baked feta and tomato mixture from the oven. Use a spoon or spatula to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. The feta should be soft and spreadable, blending smoothly with the roasted tomatoes. Add the minced garlic to the mixture and stir to combine, allowing the aroma to develop.
  4. Pour the roasted feta and tomato mixture over the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky consistency.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if preferred.

Notes

For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh basil before serving. The dish is best enjoyed immediately while warm and creamy.