Save A festive, creamy pasta dish featuring oven-roasted feta, bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a snowy sprinkle of grated Parmesan, perfect for a holiday table.
This dish brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors and is always a hit at our family gatherings.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g (7 oz)
- Parmesan cheese: 60 g (2 oz), finely grated
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g (1 lb), mixed colors preferred
- Garlic: 3 cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- Red onion (optional): 1 small, thinly sliced
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
- Short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni): 350 g (12 oz)
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish. Arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion (if using) around the feta.
- Season:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges.
- Cook pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Mash feta mixture:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a large spoon, gently mash and mix the feta with the tomatoes and garlic until creamy.
- Combine pasta:
- Add the hot pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Save This recipe always brings warmth and joy to our holiday table, creating lasting family memories.
Notes
Add baby spinach or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.
Required Tools
Oven-safe baking dish, large pot, strainer, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta, Parmesan), wheat (pasta). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if required. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta.
Save This baked feta pasta is an effortless way to impress guests while enjoying comforting, flavorful food.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and allow even coating.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Substitute dairy feta with plant-based alternatives and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese for similar flavor.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to add gradually when mixing with baked ingredients, ensuring a silky sauce.
- → What herbs are recommended for garnish?
Fresh basil leaves add a bright, aromatic touch that complements the creamy and roasted flavors.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Yes, baby spinach or roasted red peppers can be added for extra color and nutrition without overwhelming the dish.