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 discovered this recipe as a quick weeknight meal that never fails to impress family and friends with its creamy texture and vibrant taste.
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)
- Kalamata olives: 100 g pitted and halved
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp optional
- Fresh basil leaves: to serve
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange:
- Place the feta block in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and olives.
- Season:
- 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:
- Meanwhile 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:
- 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:
- 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:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Pin it This recipe brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and the irresistible aroma of baked feta filling the kitchen.
Notes
Try adding baby spinach or arugula for extra greens. Use a gluten-free pasta if needed. Excellent wine pairing: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.
Required Tools
Baking dish, large pot, colander, mixing spoon or fork, chef's knife and cutting board.
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (feta cheese) and 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.
Pin it 
This baked feta pasta is the perfect blend of creamy and fresh for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and work best.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free pasta varieties allows for a gluten-free version without altering the flavors.
- → Is it possible to adjust the spice level?
Yes, crushed red pepper flakes can be added or omitted to increase or reduce spiciness.
- → What herbs complement this dish?
Fresh basil is recommended for garnish, while dried oregano adds depth during baking.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce consistency?
Mixing the baked feta and softened tomatoes together creates the base. Adding reserved pasta water gradually helps to loosen and perfect the sauce.