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
Scale
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.
