If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet surprisingly simple to make, the Baked Feta Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine juicy, blistered tomatoes roasting alongside creamy, tangy feta cheese, which then transforms into a luscious sauce that wraps every strand of pasta in silky goodness. This recipe is a perfect balance of fresh herbs, savory cheese, and the subtle warmth of garlic, making it not only comforting but also incredibly elegant without all the fuss. It’s a quick way to impress at dinner or savor a cozy night in with something that feels truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both vibrant and satisfying. Each ingredient plays an essential role, contributing to the flavor, texture, and color that make this pasta unforgettable.
- Grape tomatoes (2 pints): These burst with sweetness and roast beautifully, creating a juicy, concentrated sauce base.
- Extra-virgin olive oil (3 tbsp): Adds richness and helps roast the tomatoes and feta to perfection.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors and balances the creaminess of the feta.
- Feta cheese block (8 oz): When baked, it turns deliciously creamy and tangy, forming the heart of the sauce.
- Garlic cloves (3, peeled and halved): Roast to mellow their bite and infuse the sauce with gentle warmth.
- Dry pasta (10 oz, such as penne, rotini, or fusilli): Shapes that hold the sauce beautifully for an unforgettable bite every time.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, roughly chopped): Adds freshness, color, and a nutrient boost that balances the richness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a gentle heat for those who love a little kick.
- Fresh basil (¼ cup, thinly sliced): Provides fragrant, sweet herbaceous notes to brighten the dish.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, minced): Adds a subtle earthiness and a pop of green vibrancy.
- Reserved pasta water (½ cup): Perfect for loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a roomy baking dish, toss those sweet grape tomatoes and garlic cloves with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. This initial step sets the stage for the magic of roasting, which intensifies the tomatoes’ flavor and mellows the garlic to a creamy sweetness.
Step 2: Add the Feta Cheese
Place the entire block of feta right in the center of the tomato mixture. Give it a gentle flip so the olive oil coats every surface—it’s going to roast into a golden, melty delight that will be the star of your sauce.
Step 3: Roast the Tomatoes and Feta
Pop your baking dish in the oven for 30 minutes at 400°F, allowing the tomatoes to blister and release their juice. Then crank the heat up to 450°F (230°C) for an additional 10 minutes to get that irresistible golden top on your feta and some caramelized tomatoes. This roasting step infuses the dish with deep, savory sweetness and that perfect creamy tang from the cheese.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Wilt Spinach
While the tomatoes and feta work their oven magic, boil your pasta in salted water until it’s just al dente—still firm but tender. Just before draining, stir your chopped spinach into the boiling water so it gently wilts and blends seamlessly into the pasta. Don’t forget to reserve half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s key to making your sauce smooth and easy to toss.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Carefully remove your bubbling baking dish from the oven. Using a spoon, mash together that soft feta, blistered tomatoes, and roasted garlic into a creamy, dreamy sauce right in the pan. The transformation from solid blocks into velvety goodness is incredibly satisfying!
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Fresh Herbs
Next, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, and a fresh sprinkle of basil and parsley. Toss everything together until each piece of pasta is lovingly coated in that luscious sauce, flecked with vibrant green herbs.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Serve your beautiful creation warm, maybe with a few extra fresh herbs on top for a bright final touch that will wow your guests or simply delight your family.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley are the star garnish, adding a lovely pop of green and fragrant notes. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also elevate the dish to a restaurant-quality finish.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple with a crisp, peppery arugula salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil. A crusty loaf of bread is perfect for mopping up any sauce left on the plate. Grilled vegetables or a light cucumber salad also complement the richness wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive occasion, serve this baked feta pasta family-style right from the baking dish, letting everyone scoop their portions. Alternatively, plate individual servings topped with microgreens or edible flowers for a fresh, elegant look that will impress at any dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your baked feta pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the texture of both the roasted tomatoes and feta can change when thawed. It’s better to prepare fresh or just store portions in the fridge for quick reheats.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked feta pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works well for individual servings.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta is essential for this recipe because of its unique salty tang and how it melts into a creamy sauce. Using other cheeses might result in a very different texture or flavor, so if you can, stick with feta for the authentic experience.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe itself is gluten-free if you swap out traditional pasta for a gluten-free variety. Just be sure to check your pasta options and cooking times accordingly.
Can I add protein to the dish?
Absolutely! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon can be stirred in to add more substance. Just cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta before serving.
What if I don’t like spicy food? Can I omit the red pepper flakes?
Definitely. The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and meant to add a gentle heat. You can leave them out without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the tomato and feta mixture ahead of time?
You can prep the tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil the day before and keep them refrigerated, but it’s best to bake the feta and tomatoes right before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so utterly comforting and joyous about the Baked Feta Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs Recipe that it quickly becomes a go-to weeknight favorite or impressive dish for guests. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner or a casual gathering, its beautiful balance of creamy, tangy, fresh, and robust flavors is guaranteed to win hearts. So grab those simple ingredients, turn on your oven, and get ready to fall in love with this incredibly delicious pasta recipe!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs 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
This baked feta pasta is a simple yet indulgently creamy dish featuring roasted feta cheese and blistered grape tomatoes, combined with al dente pasta and fresh spinach, herbs, and a hint of crushed red pepper for a flavorful finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it requires minimal hands-on time and delivers maximum taste with a luscious, cheesy tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 pints grape tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
Dairy
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese (preferably sheep’s milk)
Pantry Staples
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 10 oz dry pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and feta.
- Prepare Baking Dish: In a 3-quart baking dish, combine the grape tomatoes and halved garlic. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss everything gently to coat evenly.
- Add Feta: Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of the tomato mixture, flipping it once to coat both sides with the olive oil and flavors.
- Bake: Roast the mixture at 400°F for 30 minutes to soften the tomatoes and feta. Then increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the feta is golden and tomatoes are blistered and burst.
- Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Just before draining, add the chopped spinach to the pot to wilt. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
- Make the Sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a spoon to mash the roasted feta, garlic, and tomatoes together until creamy and well combined, creating the sauce base.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), fresh basil, and parsley to the baking dish. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy roasted feta tomato sauce.
- Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra fresh herbs for a bright finish.
Notes
- For best flavor, use high-quality feta cheese, preferably made from sheep’s milk.
- Reserving pasta water is important as it helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Feel free to swap or add other greens such as kale or arugula if spinach isn’t available.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- This recipe can be easily doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
