Save A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet irresistible meal.
I first served this and it quickly became a favorite in my household.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g, halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Short pasta: 300 g (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Pitted Kalamata olives: 100 g, halved
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Fresh basil leaves: to serve
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place the feta block in the center of a baking dish Surround it with cherry tomatoes and olives
- Add seasonings:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) Season with salt and pepper
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain
- Mash feta and tomatoes:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, mixing well to create a creamy sauce
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to coat If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time for a silkier sauce
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately
Save My family gathers around the table eagerly anticipating this fresh and flavorful meal each time I make it
Notes
Excellent wine pairing: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé
Required Tools
Baking dish, Large pot, Colander, Mixing spoon or fork, Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (feta cheese), Wheat (pasta unless gluten-free variety is used) If using pre-pitted olives, check for potential nut contamination Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies
Save This baked feta pasta is easy to prepare and delivers a comforting taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you achieve the creamy texture in this pasta?
Baking the feta until soft allows it to blend easily with the burst cherry tomatoes, creating a naturally creamy sauce when mixed with the pasta.
- → Can I use different types of pasta for this dish?
Yes, short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well to hold the creamy sauce and flavors.
- → What role do olives play in this dish?
Kalamata olives add a briny, tangy note that complements the richness of the baked feta and sweetness of the tomatoes.
- → Is there a way to adjust the spice level?
Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be added or omitted to suit your preferred heat level.
- → How can I make the sauce silkier if needed?
Reserved pasta cooking water can be added gradually to the baked mixture while tossing the pasta to create a smoother, silkier sauce.