The aroma of baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes wafts through the kitchen, enticing everyone to come closer. Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy bowl of goodness that dances on your taste buds and warms your heart.
As I twirl the pasta around my fork, the vibrant colors of the tomatoes and the golden feta make this dish a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It’s perfect for date night or a casual family dinner, creating an atmosphere of comfort and joy that lingers long after the last bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes is incredibly easy to whip up on busy weeknights
- The flavors meld beautifully, creating a creamy delight that everyone will rave about
- Its stunning presentation makes it an instant showstopper on any table
- Versatile enough to add your favorite veggies or proteins, this dish keeps every meal exciting
I remember the first time I served this dish to friends; their faces lit up as they took their first bites. It quickly became a crowd favorite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Pasta of Choice: Any pasta works here, but I recommend penne or fusilli for the best sauce clinging action.
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Feta Cheese: Use block feta for creaminess; crumbled feta just doesn’t cut it in this recipe.
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Cherry Tomatoes: Look for bright red, juicy tomatoes; they add sweetness and shine to your dish.
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Olive Oil: A generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor and helps everything roast perfectly.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; be sure to use whole cloves to infuse that aromatic goodness.
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Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful of chopped basil elevates the dish with fresh herbal notes.
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Salt and Pepper: Season generously; these simple ingredients bring all the flavors to life.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Let’s dive into creating this masterpiece together!
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you gather your ingredients. This ensures everything bakes evenly and efficiently.
Prep Your Ingredients: In a large baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle generously with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Add Feta Cheese: Place your block of feta cheese right in the center of those vibrant tomatoes. Don’t be shy—surround it with love (and more olive oil).
Bake It Up!: Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst beautifully and feta turns golden brown.
Pasta Time!: While that’s baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining for added creaminess.
Combine Everything!: Once your baked goodness is ready, mix it all together in one large bowl with reserved pasta water until creamy perfection is achieved.
Enjoy this baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes hot from the oven! Garnish with fresh basil for an aromatic finish that’ll make you feel like a gourmet chef!
You Must Know
- This delectable baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes combines creamy feta and sweet tomatoes for a delightful dish
- The vibrant colors and rich aromas make it irresistible, ensuring you impress your family or guests at any meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by roasting the cherry tomatoes with feta until they’re bubbly, then toss in cooked pasta for a deliciously creamy finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or add fresh basil for an aromatic twist that elevates the dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil if necessary.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes is all about timing; roast your tomatoes long enough for sweetness
- Keep a close eye on your feta to avoid burning while achieving that perfect golden crust
- Experiment with herbs to find your favorite flavor combination!
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of hosting friends for dinner. Their delighted faces after tasting my baked feta pasta were priceless, and it sparked many more cooking adventures together.
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with goat cheese or even cream cheese as alternatives.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes stores well and tastes divine reheated.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with a refreshing salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines the rich essence of golden feta cheese and sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil, to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, whole
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes; drizzle more olive oil over it.
- Bake for about 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta turns golden brown.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve some pasta water.
- Mix the baked feta and tomatoes with the cooked pasta in a large bowl, adding reserved pasta water until creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
