Creamy Tomato Feta Pasta

This simple Baked Feta Pasta has transformed my weeknight dinner routine completely. When I first discovered this viral sensation, I was skeptical that something so simple could taste so divine. But after one bite of this creamy, tangy pasta masterpiece, I understood why it broke the internet and became a staple in my home.

The first time I made this pasta, my kitchen filled with the most intoxicating aroma of roasting tomatoes and garlic. My family now requests it weekly, and I happily oblige because it's so effortless yet impressive.

Ingredients

• 8 ounce block of feta cheese preferably Greek feta which offers the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess
• 1½ pounds cherry tomatoes look for firm, bright colored tomatoes for the best flavor and bursting effect
• 4 cloves garlic smashed to release their aromatic oils when roasted
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil use the best quality you can find as it forms the base of the sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste fresh ground pepper makes a noticeable difference
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust according to your spice preference
• 10 ounces pasta such as penne or rigatoni the ridges and tubes capture the sauce beautifully
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves bright green leaves add color and freshness

How To Make Baked Feta Pasta

Prep the oven

Set your oven to 400°F allowing it to fully preheat while you assemble the ingredients. The correct temperature ensures the tomatoes burst and the feta melts properly without burning.

Prep the sauce

Place the feta block in the center of your casserole dish creating a focal point for the sauce. Surround the cheese with cherry tomatoes and smashed garlic cloves arranging them in a single layer for even roasting. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil making sure the feta is well coated to prevent it from drying out. Season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes distributing evenly. Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes collapse and release their juices and the feta softens. Then increase heat to 450°F for another 10 to 15 minutes which caramelizes the tomatoes and gives the feta a beautiful golden color.

Cook the pasta

While the feta and tomatoes roast bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente following package instructions but typically around 13 minutes. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining as this starchy liquid helps bind the sauce.

Mix it all together

Use a fork to gently mash the softened feta tomatoes and garlic creating a creamy base for your sauce. Add the drained pasta and fresh basil to the hot casserole dish and toss thoroughly ensuring every piece gets coated with the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems dry add a splash of reserved pasta water which helps create silky texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed since the feta contributes significant saltiness.

I absolutely adore how the feta transforms during baking from a firm block to this luscious creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. My family loves gathering around the table when this comes out of the oven, everyone diving in while the cheese is still warm and gooey. The way the sweet tomatoes pop against the salty feta creates a flavor combination that's simply irresistible.

Perfect Pasta Selection

The pasta you choose for this dish matters significantly. Tube-shaped pastas like penne, rigatoni, or ziti work beautifully because their hollow centers capture pockets of the creamy feta sauce. The ridges on these pasta shapes also hold onto the sauce perfectly. While you could use long pasta like spaghetti, you'll miss out on that perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio that makes each bite so satisfying.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this viral pasta lies in its adaptability. For protein lovers, add grilled chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp during the final toss. Vegetable enthusiasts can incorporate spinach, asparagus, or zucchini during the last 15 minutes of baking. For a deeper flavor profile, try adding a tablespoon of Italian herbs or a splash of balsamic vinegar before baking. The recipe serves as a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity.

Storage Solutions

This pasta reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the creaminess. The flavor actually develops overnight, making day-two pasta sometimes even better than the original meal. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of cheese besides feta?

While feta gives this dish its signature tangy flavor and creamy texture, you can substitute with goat cheese for a similar effect. Brie or camembert will create a milder, creamier sauce. Keep in mind that harder cheeses like cheddar won't melt the same way, so the texture and flavor profile will be quite different.

→ What pasta shapes work best with this sauce?

Pasta shapes that can trap the chunky, creamy sauce work best. Penne, rigatoni, farfalle, and orecchiette are excellent choices. You could also use spaghetti or linguine if you prefer long pasta. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options work well too.

→ How can I add protein to this dish?

This dish is versatile and pairs well with many proteins. Consider adding grilled chicken, Italian sausage, shrimp, or salmon. For vegetarian options, you can mix in white beans, chickpeas, or even cubes of firm tofu before serving.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the feta and tomato mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave and toss with freshly cooked pasta. Add a splash of pasta water to help revive the creaminess of the sauce.

→ What vegetables can I add to make this dish more nutritious?

This dish is perfect for incorporating extra vegetables. Try adding spinach, kale, asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can either roast hardier vegetables alongside the tomatoes and feta or stir in quicker-cooking greens like spinach at the end until just wilted.

→ How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?

With just ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, the dish has a mild warmth rather than significant heat. You can adjust to your preference by omitting the red pepper flakes completely for no spice, or increasing the amount for more heat. Adding a drizzle of hot honey before serving is another delicious way to control the spice level.