Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece with this irresistible Feta Pasta recipe!
This baked feta pasta dish is a brilliant blend of creamy, tangy feta melting on a bed of juicy, bursting cherry tomatoes and perfectly al dente pasta. An accord of Mediterranean flavors that is both comforting and refreshing!
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and how it transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. With just a few quality ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll create a dish that’s visually stunning and packed with the bold, authentic flavors that Greek cuisine is known for.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Grilled Feta Pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire!
What is baked feta?
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a modern twist on traditional Greek flavors, combining favorite Mediterranean ingredients into a comforting one-pan dish.
While not a centuries-old traditional recipe, it embodies the spirit of Greek cooking, emphasizing fresh, quality ingredients and simple preparation methods that allow each ingredient to shine.
“Feta pasta in the oven” gained international popularity through social media, but its roots are firmly planted in Greek culinary traditions.
It projects slicethe most famous cheese of Greece, in a way that highlights its creamy texture and spicy taste. Combined with sweet cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic and fragrant herbs, it creates a sauce that is quintessentially Greek in its profile.
- Feta pasta in the oven perfectly represents the Greek approach to cooking: simple, tasty and made with love.
- This dish is proof the versatility of feta cheesetransforming it from a crumbly topping to a luscious, creamy sauce!
What you will need to make the best feta pasta in the oven
To create this delicious baked feta pasta in the most authentic way possible, you should focus on using traditional Greek ingredients of high quality.
The star of the show is of course the feta. Select for genuine Greek feta cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. This type of feta has a richer, more complex flavor profile and a creamier texture when melted compared to cow’s milk varieties.
For the olive oil, grab a bottle extra virgin Greek olive oil. Its fruity, slightly peppery notes will highlight the overall flavor of the dish.
Fresh basil usually used for herbs, but feel free to experiment other Mediterranean herbs like oregano or anise for a more intense Greek touch.
Feta Pasta Recipe – Basic Ingredients
Feta cheese: The heart of this dish. Look for a high-quality piece of Greek feta, which should be creamy yet crumbly. Its spicy, salty taste is essential to the success of the recipe.
Tomatoes: These little jewels of sweetness are vital. Choose ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes that will burst in the oven, releasing their flavor into the sauce.
Pasta: While the recipe is versatile, a short pasta shape like penne or fusilli works best to capture the creamy sauce. For an authentic touch, try Greek pasta varieties such as kritharaki (orzo) or chilopites.
Olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s not just a cooking medium here, but a key flavor ingredient.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add great aroma and depth of flavor. Don’t be shy to use them!
Herbs: Fresh basil or dill bring color and freshness to the finished dish.
Aleppo pepper: This Middle Eastern spice adds a gentle heat and subtle sweetness. If not available, red pepper flakes are a good substitute.
Basic preparation tips
There are three basic steps are involved in the creation of this mouth-watering baked pasta slice:
- Bake the feta cheese and vegetables
- Cook the pasta
- Mix the pasta with the feta cheese and the vegetables
Bake the feta cheese and vegetables
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic cloves, Aleppo pepper, salt and black pepper in a large roasting pan. Place the slice block in the center.
Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the feta has melted and the tomatoes have softened and burst.
Cook the pasta
Meanwhile, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Mix the pasta with the feta cheese and the vegetables
Remove the pan from the oven. Mash the garlic and break up the feta with a fork. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss to combine. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Fold in fresh basil or dill just before serving.
How do you make the perfect Feta Pasta in the oven?
For best results with feta pasta, keep it tips in mind:
- Choose the right slice: Choose a high-quality Greek feta made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep’s and goat’s milk. It should be creamy yet crumbly for the best melting texture.
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil: Use plenty of extra virgin olive oil. It is important to create a delicious sauce and prevent the feta from drying out.
- Be careful with your pasta: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will soften slightly with the hot feta mixture. Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
- Let it rest: Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld nicely.
Can I make feta pasta ahead of time?
This baked feta pasta dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Assemble the tomatoes, feta and seasonings in the pan and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to serve, bake as directed and cook pasta fresh.
Is baked feta pasta suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This dish is vegetarian of course. To Go vegan, use a plant-based feta alternative and make sure your pasta is egg-free.
Variations
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Enjoy Vegetables: Throw in roasted peppers, zucchini or eggplant for added nutrition and flavor.
- Flavor it: Incorporate some Greek spices like oregano or a pinch of cinnamon for an authentic twist.
- Cheese Swap: Try using a Greek kefalotyri or halloumi for a different flavor profile.
Serving suggestions
Serve the Baked Feta Pasta with a crisp Greek salad for a refreshing twist. A side of warm, crusty country bread is perfect for mopping up any extra sauce!
For a more substantial meal, pair it with some grilled Mediterranean vegetables or a serving of Greek-style lemon baked potatoes (patates lemonates). A chilled glass Absurda crisp white wine from Santorini, is an excellent accompaniment to cut through the richness of the dish.
Do you love feta?
If you love feta as much as I do, then these delicious feta recipes below are made for you! Try them out and don’t forget to tell me what you think!
Imprint
Description
Quick and easy feta pasta in the oven! A delicious blend of creamy feta cheese that melts on a bed of juicy cherry tomatoes and perfectly al dente pasta! An accord of Mediterranean flavors that is both comforting and refreshing!
- Preheat the oven to 180C.
- In a large pan, mix the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, Aleppo pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, a little black pepper and the peeled garlic cloves. Place the feta block in the middle, turning it over to coat it well in the oil mixture.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the feta is lightly charred, the tomatoes have split and softened, and the garlic cloves have softened.
- Halfway through cooking, cook pasta in a large pan of boiling, salted water according to package directions. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes. Reserve some of the cooking water before draining the pasta and returning to the pot.
- Chop the basil or chop the dill.
- With a fork, crush the garlic cloves before scraping everything in the pan over the cooked pasta. Stir and add a splash of cooking water to help bring the sauce together to the desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too loose, simply return it to the heat, stirring the pasta until reduced.
- Fold in the fresh herbs just before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
This baked feta pasta dish doesn’t reheat well, but leftovers are delicious served cold.
