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- 1 block (8oz) feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon In this recipe, the main ingredients are simple yet packed with flavor. Feta cheese is the star of the dish. It melts beautifully, adding creaminess to the pasta. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a pop of color. Minced garlic gives a wonderful aroma and taste. The additional ingredients enhance the dish. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness, while oregano and red pepper flakes bring warmth and depth. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to match your spice level. For the pasta, I recommend penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well, making each bite enjoyable. Fresh basil leaves and lemon zest brighten the dish and add a fresh finish. As you gather these ingredients, think about how they come together. Each brings its unique taste, creating a delightful meal that everyone will love. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the feta and tomatoes cook perfectly. 2. Prepare the baking dish. In a 9x13 inch dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. This mixture is key to the dish's flavor. 1. Season the mixture. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. 2. Sprinkle the spices. Add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper on top. This adds depth to the dish. 3. Bake the dish. Place it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the feta to soften and turn golden, while the tomatoes blister. This creates a rich, creamy sauce. 1. Cook the pasta. Follow the package instructions until it is al dente. Make sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. 2. Combine the baked ingredients. Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta with the tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil until creamy. 3. Mix with pasta. Add the drained pasta to the dish, mixing well. Slowly add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning if needed. This step is important to ensure every bite is flavorful. To make your dish shine, spice levels matter. I love using red pepper flakes. Start with 1/2 teaspoon. You can add more if you want more heat. Taste as you go. This method keeps your dish tasty yet balanced. Pasta texture is key. Aim for al dente pasta, which means it still has a slight bite. When cooking, follow the package instructions carefully. Always save some pasta water before draining. This water helps make the sauce creamy and smooth. Garnishing makes a big difference! Fresh basil leaves add color and flavor. Just sprinkle them on top. Lemon zest brings a bright touch. Use a microplane to finely grate the zest before adding. For serving, use deep bowls. This helps keep the sauce contained. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for richness. If you like cheese, add freshly grated parmesan for extra flavor. Your dish will look and taste amazing! {{image_2}} You can change this dish to fit your taste. Using different types of cheese can add new flavors. For example, goat cheese works well. It has a tangy taste that pairs nicely with tomatoes. You might also try mixing in some mozzarella for a creamier texture. Adding vegetables can really enhance this dish. Spinach is a great choice. It cooks down and blends well with the sauce. Bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness. Feel free to toss in other veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good choices that taste great. Look for pasta made from rice or lentils for a healthy twist. For those who follow a vegan diet, there are cheese alternatives available. Many brands make vegan feta that can work well in this recipe. You can also use cashew cheese for a creamy texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor may change slightly, but it can still be delicious! After you finish this tasty dish, store any leftovers in airtight containers. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Make sure to let the pasta cool down before sealing the container. The pasta will last in the fridge for about three to five days. If you want to enjoy it later, just reheat it. You can freeze this baked pasta for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool and then transfer it into freezer-safe containers. Be sure to label them with the date. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, about 20-25 minutes. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but this may change the texture a bit. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. To make the sauce creamy, you can adjust the pasta water. After cooking your pasta, save about one cup of the water. When you mix the baked feta and tomatoes with your pasta, add the reserved pasta water slowly. Stir well and check the creaminess. If it’s too thick, add more water a bit at a time until you get the smooth texture you want. This helps keep the sauce light and flavorful without making it too watery. Yes, you can use frozen tomatoes. They will change the texture a bit. Frozen tomatoes often become softer when cooked. This can be nice for creating a sauce, but it may lack the fresh taste of ripe tomatoes. If you use frozen, let them thaw and drain some liquid before baking. This helps avoid excess water in your pasta dish. This pasta dish goes well with simple sides. A fresh salad with greens, like arugula or spinach, adds a nice crunch. You could also serve crusty bread on the side. The bread is great for mopping up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, try garlic bread or a light soup. These choices will complement the rich flavors of the pasta nicely. This blog post covered a delightful baked feta tomato pasta recipe. We explored main ingredients like feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and garlic, along with tasty extras and garnishes. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparation and cooking, along with tips to perfect the dish. You learned about variations, including ingredient swaps and dietary options. Finally, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy this easy recipe that brings vibrant flavors to your table. Your culinary adventure awaits as you make this dish your own!

Viral TikTok Baked Feta Tomato Pasta

Dive into a delicious adventure with Feta Fiesta Pasta! This easy and flavorful recipe combines creamy baked feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that's sure to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a vibrant dish that's perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with this mouthwatering dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (8oz) feta cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli works best)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare the Baking Dish: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic.

      Season: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper on top.

        Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and starts to turn golden and the tomatoes are blistered.

          Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.

            Combine: Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil until creamy.

              Mix with Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the dish and mix well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Adjust seasoning if needed.

                Garnish: Finish with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of lemon zest for brightness.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 40 min | Serves 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in bowls garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Optionally, sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.