Save A festive, colorful pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, cherry tomatoes, and holiday herbs, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet elegant meal.
I first served this at a holiday dinner and everyone loved the vibrant flavors and simplicity of the dish.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 200 g feta cheese block
- Vegetables: 500 g cherry tomatoes, whole, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 100 g baby spinach, 1 small red bell pepper, diced, Zest of 1 lemon
- Pasta: 300 g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center. Surround with cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
- Season:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss vegetables gently, keeping the feta in the center.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Cook Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100 ml (about ⅓ cup) of the pasta water, then drain.
- Add Greens:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save My family especially enjoys this dish during the holidays; the ease and burst of flavors always bring us together at the table.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a perfect pairing.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pasta). Always check cheese and pasta labels for hidden allergens.
Tips for Best Results
For crunch, add roasted walnuts or pine nuts as a garnish before serving.
Save This dish combines simplicity with festive flavors, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or any weeknight dinner.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What kind of pasta works best here?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy feta sauce well.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free varieties without altering the cooking process.
- → How do I know when the feta is perfectly baked?
Look for a golden, slightly softened feta with cherry tomatoes bursting and releasing their juices.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but the baked feta and vegetables can be reheated gently and combined with freshly cooked pasta.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor most in this dish?
Dried oregano and thyme infused during baking, along with fresh basil garnish, create a balanced and aromatic profile.
- → Is it possible to add crunch to this meal?
Adding toasted walnuts or pine nuts as a topping adds a pleasant texture contrast.