Baked Feta Tomato Pasta

$- 200g pasta (fusilli or penne works best) - 200g block feta cheese - 500g cherry tomatoes - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste The pasta gives you carbs for energy. Fusilli or penne holds the sauce well. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty kick. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and juicy flavor. Garlic adds depth and aroma. Olive oil helps blend all the flavors and adds healthy fats. Dried oregano gives a nice herbal note. Chili flakes can add heat if you like spice. Fresh basil at the end adds a fresh touch. You can swap the pasta for gluten-free types if needed. For a lighter option, use zucchini noodles. Instead of block feta, crumbled feta works too, but it may melt faster. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced larger tomatoes. For a vegan version, use tofu feta or a nut-based cheese. Adjust the spices to fit your taste. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the dish evenly. 2. Grab a large baking dish and add 500g of cherry tomatoes. Spread them out evenly. 3. Place a block of feta cheese (200g) in the center of the tomatoes. The feta will melt and mix with the tomatoes. 4. Drizzle 1/4 cup of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. This adds flavor and moisture. 5. Sprinkle in 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and chili flakes if you like heat. 6. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use a spoon to mix the tomatoes with the oil and seasoning around the feta. 7. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Look for blistered tomatoes and slightly browned feta. 8. Check the feta and tomatoes after 25 minutes. If they look good, it’s time to remove them from the oven. 9. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook 200g of pasta. Fusilli or penne works best. Cook until al dente, then drain. 10. Once out of the oven, use a fork to mash the baked feta. Mix it with the tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. 11. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until well combined. 12. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. 13. Serve warm, topped with fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor. Enjoy your meal! To make Baked Feta Tomato Pasta shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. When picking tomatoes, choose ones that feel firm. They should have a sweet smell. This ensures they taste great after baking. Don’t skip the garlic; it adds depth. Mince it finely for even flavor. If you like spice, add chili flakes. They give the dish a nice kick. For the best texture, bake the feta until it softens. It should be slightly browned on top. This makes it creamy when mixed with pasta. Serve this dish warm for the best taste. Top it with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of grated cheese. A bit of Parmesan or pecorino can enhance the dish. Pair it with a fresh salad for a full meal. A light vinaigrette works well to balance the flavors. You can also serve it with crusty bread. The bread is great for scooping up the creamy sauce. If you want to impress, serve it in individual bowls. This adds a personal touch and makes it more fun. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it until it’s al dente, or firm to the bite. This helps it hold its shape when mixed with the sauce. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. This really brings out the flavors. Don’t rush the baking time. Allow the tomatoes to blister. This gives them sweetness and depth. Also, let the feta melt properly. This creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta well. Try not to skip the mashing step. Mixing the baked feta with tomatoes makes a great sauce. If you leave it whole, the dish won’t be as creamy. {{image_2}} You can easily add more veggies to your baked feta tomato pasta. Try using spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just chop them up and mix with the tomatoes. This adds color and more nutrients. You can also toss in some olives for a briny kick. If you want to add protein, consider chicken or shrimp. Cook the chicken in a pan, then mix it into the pasta. For shrimp, just toss them in the baking dish with the feta and tomatoes. Both options make the meal heartier and more filling. To boost the flavor, use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also squeeze some lemon juice over the pasta before serving. This adds brightness and freshness to the dish. For spice lovers, try adding more chili flakes or even some diced jalapeños for heat. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool down. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Always try to eat the leftovers within three days. If you think you won’t finish it, consider freezing some. To reheat, use a microwave or a pan. If using a microwave, cover the dish. Heat it in short bursts until warm. For the pan, add a splash of water or broth. Stir often over medium heat until it is hot. This keeps the pasta moist and tasty. Freezing this dish works well. First, let it cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible. It will last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Baked Feta Tomato Pasta can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before placing it in the fridge. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. If you want to reheat it, use a microwave or oven. Just add a bit of water to keep it moist. Yes, you can use regular feta cheese. Crumbled feta will work too, but the dish may change a bit. Block feta melts differently, giving a creamier sauce. If you use crumbled feta, mix it in with the tomatoes before baking. This will help it blend nicely with the other flavors. Yes, you can make this dish vegan! Replace the block feta with a plant-based feta. You can also try using cashew cheese or tofu. These options work well in the oven. Adjust the seasonings to taste, and you still get a creamy sauce. Enjoy the same great flavors without the dairy! In this article, I covered how to make baked feta tomato pasta. I shared a list of key ingredients, their benefits, and helpful substitutions. I provided step-by-step instructions, tips to perfect the dish, and various tasty options. I also explained how to store leftovers and reheating tips. Now you are ready to create this delicious meal. With these simple steps and tricks, you can impress anyone at your table. Enjoy the flavors and have fun in the kitchen!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of baked feta tomato pasta with this easy recipe! Combining creamy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant garlic, this dish is a must-try for pasta lovers. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner tonight with vibrant flavors and simple ingredients that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

200g pasta (fusilli or penne works best)

200g block feta cheese

500g cherry tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and spread them out evenly.

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.

Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and feta, then sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, chili flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.

Use a spoon to gently mix the tomatoes with the oil and seasoning around the feta.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is slightly browned.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the baked feta and mix with the tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve warm, topped with fresh basil leaves.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4