Description
This Feta Tomato Pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish made with creamy baked feta cheese, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic, olive oil, and tender pasta. As the feta melts and the tomatoes burst, they create a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite. Finished with fresh basil and Parmesan, this easy Mediterranean-inspired pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 8 ounces block feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish and set the block of feta in the center.
- Add the garlic, seasonings, and olive oil.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta until al dente and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Mash the baked feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, adding pasta water as needed.
- Stir in the basil and Parmesan.
- Garnish with more basil and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use block feta packed in brine for the creamiest sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Fresh basil should be added after baking for the best flavor.
- Freshly grated Parmesan adds extra richness.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or spinach for a heartier meal.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 35mg