7 Easy Steps to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

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Thank you so much for being here today! I’m seriously thrilled to share this Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes recipe with you. If you love creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed pasta dishes, you’re in for a real treat. The focus keyword “Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes” is something I couldn’t wait to dive into after falling head over heels for this viral sensation myself!

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What is Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?

This delicious dish combines a block of creamy feta cheese and sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes, baked until melty and bursting with flavor, then tossed with pasta to create a lusciously creamy, savory sauce. It’s Mediterranean magic in a bowl!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy: Minimal chopping, one pan, and basically no babysitting.

• Versatile: Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fancy dinner party starter.

• Customizable: Add your favorite herbs, toss in some extra veggies, or even spice it up!

• Crowd-Pleaser: Every time I serve this, it’s met with pure joy (and clean plates!!).

What Does Baked Feta Pasta Taste Like?

Imagine creamy, tangy feta blended with sweet, jammy roasted tomatoes, a hit of fresh garlic, and a drizzle of golden olive oil, all wrapped around your favorite pasta. The smell when this is in the oven is incredible, and the flavor is somehow both light and deeply satisfying.

Benefits of Making Baked Feta Pasta

• Time-Saving: Dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.

• Few Ingredients: You likely already have most of them at home.

• Healthier Comfort Food: Olive oil and tomatoes bring in good-for-you nutrients.

• Instagram-Worthy: It looks just as good as it tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes — Look for plump, vibrant ones.

• 8 oz block feta cheese — A block, not crumbled! (Very important!)

• 3 cloves garlic — For that irresistible aroma.

• ½ cup olive oil — Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil.

• ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped + more for serving.

• Salt and pepper, to taste.

• 2 teaspoons oregano — Dried or fresh.

• Pasta of choice — About 10-12 oz, cooked separately.

Tools You’ll Need

• Oven-safe baking dish (medium-sized)

• Wooden spoon

• Medium pot (for boiling pasta)

• Strainer

• Sharp knife and cutting board

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Pasta Options: Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work wonderfully.

• Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese or a creamy ricotta if you’re not into feta.

• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms halfway through baking.

• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick!

• Herb Lovers: Swap basil for parsley or thyme if you like.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

2. Prepare the tomatoes: Place cherry tomatoes in your baking dish. Drizzle with half the olive oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss well.

3. Add the feta: Make a little space in the center of the tomatoes and nestle the block of feta in. Drizzle with the rest of the olive oil and season again if you wish.

4. Tuck in the garlic: Add the garlic cloves nestled into the tomatoes around the feta.

5. Bake: Pop it all into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and melty.

6. Cook the pasta while the feta bakes according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water!

7. Mash and mix: When the feta and tomatoes are done, sprinkle chopped basil over the top. Use a spoon to mash everything together until a creamy sauce forms.

8. Toss with pasta: Add the cooked pasta directly to the dish. Toss well, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if you want it even creamier.

9. Garnish with more fresh basil and serve immediately!

What to Serve with Baked Feta Pasta

• A crisp green salad (arugula + lemon vinaigrette is perfect!)

• Warm garlic bread or focaccia

• Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein

• Roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini

Tips for the Best Baked Feta Pasta

• Use whole cherry tomatoes for that juicy burst of flavor.

• Don’t overcook the pasta; you want it slightly al dente before tossing.

• Fresh basil makes all the difference — add it at the end for maximum flavor.

• Reserve pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or a little olive oil before warming it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

General Information About Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

This dish actually skyrocketed to global fame thanks to a viral social media post from Finland! It’s a beautiful reminder that simple, high-quality ingredients are often all you need for something extraordinary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

It’s better to use a block of feta because crumbled feta contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as beautifully. For that dreamy, creamy sauce, a block is the way to go!

Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea pasta, rice pasta, or lentil pasta would all be fantastic choices.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the tomatoes, feta, and seasonings in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it into the oven and bake as directed.

 What if my feta doesn’t melt completely?

No worries! Some brands of feta are firmer than others. Just mash it thoroughly with the roasted tomatoes, add a splash of reserved pasta water, and it will turn creamy and luscious.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas would be delicious stirred in for extra heartiness.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

Short, curly pastas like fusilli, rotini, or penne cling to the sauce best, but honestly, use whatever pasta you love!

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the creamy sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can try it! Swap the feta with a dairy-free feta alternative (they’re surprisingly good!) and keep the rest of the recipe the same.

 How can I make the sauce even creamier?

Reserve some pasta water when you cook your noodles! Stirring in a little at a time after mashing the feta and tomatoes makes the sauce even silkier and more luscious.

Conclusion

There you have it — the incredibly easy, absolutely delicious Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes that has totally stolen my heart (and my dinner table). Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this pasta is everything cozy dinners should be: easy, satisfying, and outrageously good!

If you loved this recipe, you might also love these refreshing Mediterranean-inspired recipes:

• Super Simple Caprese Salad Recipe — Fresh, juicy, and oh-so-easy!

• Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad — A light, flavor-packed summer favorite.

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad — Wholesome, hearty, and ready in minutes!

 I would love to hear if you made this! Please leave a review and share your beautiful pasta photos with me on Pinterest — seeing your creations absolutely makes my day!

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 450

• Protein: 12g

• Fat: 24g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

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