If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and feels like a warm Mediterranean hug, the Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe is absolutely one you have to try. This recipe beautifully marries juicy, roasted cherry tomatoes with tangy, creamy feta cheese, all tossed through perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious. It’s simple to prepare yet feels indulgent, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is the first key to making this pasta shine. Each element plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that vibrant visual appeal you want on your plate.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti): Choose your favorite shape to hold the roasted tomato-feta sauce perfectly.
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness roast down wonderfully, becoming luscious and juicy.
- 8 oz block feta cheese: A block works best to melt evenly and create that creamy, savory sauce base.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps the tomatoes and feta roast beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that fragrant, irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh): Adds a lovely herbal note that complements the tangy feta.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick of heat to brighten the overall flavor.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To balance and enhance all the fresh ingredients.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley): Fresh herbs provide a pop of color and an aromatic finish.
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice: A splash of brightness that lifts the entire dish.
How to Make Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the tomatoes and melting the feta just right, allowing the flavors to develop deeply and the textures to soften without drying out.
Step 2: Assemble for Baking
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and place your block of feta smack dab in the center. Nestle those vibrant cherry tomatoes all around it. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then sprinkle on the freshly minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper. This simple assembly sets the stage for magic in the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Roasted
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cherry tomatoes start bursting and releasing their sweet juices, and the feta softens into a melty, creamy pillow of flavor. The aromas filling your kitchen will have you drooling.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your tomatoes and feta are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until just al dente – firm to the bite but not hard. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining; this starchy liquid is the secret to marrying your sauce and pasta seamlessly.
Step 5: Combine and Toss
Remove your baking dish from the oven and, using a fork, mash the feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy, luscious sauce. Add the drained pasta directly into the dish and toss well, coating every piece with the roasted goodness. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of your reserved pasta water to loosen it up beautifully.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon
Stir in freshly chopped basil (or parsley) and the optional lemon juice for a lively, fresh finish. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. This final step brightens the flavors and adds that inviting pop of color that makes this dish irresistible.
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your presentation with a generous sprinkle of extra fresh basil or parsley on top for that bright green vibrancy. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds shine and rich mouthfeel, while a few flakes of red pepper can bring a subtle heat for those who like some spice.
Side Dishes
This pasta stands beautifully on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber and lemon salad can also complement the Mediterranean flavors and round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a wedge of lemon on the side for guests to squeeze fresh juice. You can even turn this into a pasta bake by transferring the combined pasta and sauce into a casserole dish topped with extra feta and breadcrumbs, then baking until bubbly and golden. It’s an easy way to impress during a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this wonderful Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days to keep the flavors fresh and the textures pleasant.
Freezing
While freezing this pasta is possible, it’s not ideal as the fresh tomatoes and feta can alter in texture upon thawing. If you need to freeze, do so in a tightly sealed container and use within a month. Thaw carefully in the fridge before reheating to preserve as much flavor as possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Microwaving works too, but be sure to do it in short bursts to prevent drying out. Fresh basil can be stirred in after reheating to restore that fresh pop of flavor and color.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s crumbly texture and distinct tanginess are key to this recipe, but you can experiment with cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta. Keep in mind the flavor and melting properties will differ, leading to a slightly different final dish.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This pasta reheats well and can be prepped in advance, making it an excellent meal prep option. Just keep in mind to store the sauce and pasta together to allow the flavors to meld even more over time.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent additions to boost protein content. Add these on top or toss them into the pasta after combining for a heartier meal.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne, rotini, or spaghetti each offer something special. Penne and rotini hold the sauce well in their ridges and hollow centers, while spaghetti provides a classic, silky texture. Pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative or a creamy nut-based cheese spread. Roast the tomatoes the same way, and add extra seasoning to boost flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe enough for anyone seeking a simple yet irresistibly flavorful meal. It’s one of those dishes that looks gourmet but requires minimal effort, making it a true kitchen win. So grab your cherry tomatoes and feta, get roasting, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this beautiful burst of Mediterranean sunshine on a plate. You’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again!
Print
Oven-Roasted Cherry Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and flavorful Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes recipe combines oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and melting feta cheese to create a creamy, tangy sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. Enhanced with garlic, oregano, basil, and optional red pepper flakes for heat, this dish is a delicious vegetarian meal perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley)
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the feta and tomatoes.
- Assemble for Baking: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it evenly with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and feta, then sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper over the top.
- Bake the Mixture: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cherry tomatoes burst and release their juices and the feta softens and begins to melt slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Create the Sauce: Once baking is done, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and roasted tomatoes together to create a creamy, chunky sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish with the feta-tomato sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in freshly chopped basil and lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra basil, if you like.
Notes
- Using different types of pasta such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti works well with this recipe.
- If you prefer less spicy food, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Reserving pasta water is important as it helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta better.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor, but parsley can be used as a substitute if preferred.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative.
