Baked Feta Pasta Recipe: Creamy and Delicious
Baked Feta Pasta became a viral sensation on TikTok, amassing over 600 million views. Its appeal lies in the combination of tangy feta cheese with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes.
This dish is simple to make and doesn't require gourmet skills. The key to achieving the perfect creamy texture is following specific steps to avoid a soggy mess.
Key Takeaways
- Bake an 8 oz block of feta with cherry tomatoes and garlic at 400°F for creamy sauce.
- Drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil for enhanced flavor and roasting.
- Mash baked ingredients to create a creamy sauce, adding cooked pasta.
- Use Greek or Bulgarian feta for authentic flavor and smooth melting.
- Serve immediately for optimal creaminess, pairing with salad or bread.
Recipe
Baked feta pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that has captured the hearts of many food enthusiasts. The star of the show is a block of creamy feta cheese, which, when baked, transforms into a rich and savory sauce. Accompanied by sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic, this dish brings together the quintessential flavors of the Mediterranean in a comforting pasta meal. The oven does most of the heavy lifting, making it a perfect choice for a hands-off cooking experience.
To create this delightful dish, you'll need a few essential ingredients. A high-quality block of feta cheese serves as the foundation, while cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and freshness. Garlic infuses the dish with its characteristic aroma, and olive oil ensures everything bakes to perfection. The pasta of your choice, such as penne or rotini, will soak up the creamy sauce, providing a satisfying texture and taste.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces block feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic
- 16 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and whole garlic cloves. Drizzle everything with olive oil, ensuring even coverage. Bake for 30 minutes or until the cheese is soft and the tomatoes have burst.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, saving some pasta water before draining. Once the cheese and tomatoes are ready, mash them together with a fork to form a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta, and stir until the sauce thoroughly coats every piece. If needed, use a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
For the best results, use a high-quality feta cheese that comes in a block rather than crumbles, as it melts more smoothly. Consider using Greek or Bulgarian feta for its authentic flavor. Save a bit of pasta water before draining, as it can help adjust the sauce's thickness if it becomes too thick.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated with a splash of water or olive oil to restore the desired texture.
Cooking Steps
Start by positioning the block of feta right in the center of your baking dish, making it the star of the show.
Scatter the garlic cloves around it, then nestle the cherry tomatoes in alongside, creating a colorful scene that's sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Drizzle everything generously with olive oil and pop it into a 400°F oven for 30 minutes, letting the magic happen as the cheese softens and the tomatoes burst with flavor.
Step 1. Position Feta in Dish
To begin preparing your baked feta pasta, you'll want to place the block of feta cheese right in the center of your baking dish. This step is crucial, as positioning the feta in the middle allows it to evenly melt and mingle with the other ingredients, creating that irresistible creamy sauce.
Make sure your dish is large enough to hold everything comfortably; you don't want anything spilling over!
Once your feta is snug in place, the magic can begin. This central position ensures the cheese softens perfectly, ready to be mashed into a rich, velvety sauce.
The anticipation of watching this transformation is half the fun! With the feta in place, you're setting the stage for a delicious culinary experience that's sure to impress.
Step 2. Scatter Garlic Around Feta
Nestle the garlic cloves around the block of feta to infuse the dish with their aromatic essence. This simple step elevates the flavor profile, ensuring that each bite is a delightful burst of savory goodness.
As the garlic roasts, it mellows and sweetens, adding depth and warmth to the creamy feta sauce. Don't hesitate to use your fingers to arrange the cloves, making sure they're evenly distributed around the feta. This ensures that their fragrant oils have ample opportunity to meld with the cheese as it bakes.
The resulting aroma will fill your kitchen, enticing you with its inviting scent. You'll be amazed at how these small, humble cloves can transform your baked feta pasta into a culinary masterpiece.
Step 3. Add Cherry Tomatoes Around Feta
With the garlic cloves nestled around the feta, it's time to bring in the cherry tomatoes. Scatter them generously around the cheese, making sure they form a colorful and vibrant halo.
These tomatoes are the secret to achieving that burst of sweetness, perfectly complementing the tangy feta. As they roast, they'll soften and release their juices, creating a luscious, rich base for your sauce.
Choose ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes—they're essential for that unbeatable flavor. Their bright red hues promise a delightful contrast against the creamy feta.
This step is crucial, so don't skimp on them! Be generous, enjoy the process, and watch as this simple, yet transformative, dish comes together beautifully. Your taste buds are in for a treat!
Step 4. Drizzle With Olive Oil
Generously drizzle olive oil over the feta, tomatoes, and garlic in the baking dish. This step is crucial, adding a luxurious, silky texture to your baked feta pasta.
The olive oil not only enhances the flavors but also helps everything roast to perfection, creating a rich and aromatic base for your sauce. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil, as its robust flavor complements the creaminess of the feta and the sweetness of the tomatoes beautifully.
Don't hold back—ensure every tomato and garlic clove gets a nice coating. This way, they'll soften and release their juices, mingling with the oil.
As it bakes, the olive oil will infuse with the flavors of the garlic and tomatoes, elevating your dish to a delightful culinary experience.
Step 5. Bake at 400°F for 30 Minutes
Pop your baking dish into a preheated oven set to 400°F and let the magic happen over the next 30 minutes.
You'll be amazed at how the feta cheese softens into a creamy delight while the cherry tomatoes burst with juicy goodness.
The garlic cloves will infuse everything with their aromatic charm, creating an enticing aroma that fills your kitchen.
As your dish bakes, the olive oil melds with the ingredients, enhancing the flavors and ensuring a luscious, silky sauce.
This part of the process is truly hands-off, allowing you to relax or prepare the pasta.
Keep an eye on the clock, but trust the oven to do its work.
Your patience will be rewarded with a mouthwatering, indulgent dish!
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, baked feta pasta is a delightful dish that's as easy to make as it's delicious.
It's perfect for those nights when you crave something indulgent yet fuss-free. You'll love the way the feta melts into a creamy sauce, wrapping each piece of pasta in tangy goodness.
The burst of sweetness from the roasted cherry tomatoes adds a lovely contrast to the savory cheese, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Give it a try and discover why it's become such a sensation!
Remember to use a good quality block of feta for the best results, and don't forget to save a bit of pasta water to get your desired sauce consistency.
Enjoy this comforting dish with family or friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Feta?
Sure, you can definitely use different cheeses!
Try creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist or ricotta for a milder flavor. Even cream cheese works if you're in a pinch!
Just remember, each cheese offers a unique taste and texture, so experiment to find your favorite.
When baking, ensure it's a cheese that melts well, creating a luscious sauce.
Dive in and explore the delicious possibilities in your kitchen!
How Can I Add Protein to This Dish?
Imagine your dish singing with rich flavors, but now, you want to add a protein punch. Toss in grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty boost.
Sautéed mushrooms also work wonders if you're leaning vegetarian. Stir in some cooked chickpeas for a nutty texture.
Each option blends seamlessly, enhancing the dish's creamy allure. You'll feel like a culinary maestro as you transform simplicity into a protein-packed delight.
What Alternative Pasta Shapes Work Well With This Sauce?
You've got a delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with various pasta shapes!
Try using rigatoni, as its ridges catch the creamy sauce beautifully.
Farfalle, with its fun bow-tie shape, also works well, holding the sauce in each fold.
Fusilli spirals are excellent too, wrapping the sauce around every twist.
Choose a pasta that can cradle or cling to the sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
Enjoy experimenting!
Is There a Vegan Version of This Recipe?
You can easily create a vegan version of this dish that's just as delightful and creamy!
Swap out the feta cheese for a vegan alternative, like almond or tofu-based feta. Use your favorite plant-based pasta, and instead of regular olive oil, try a flavored one, like garlic-infused.
The tomatoes and garlic still provide that burst of flavor, and when baked together, they create a savory, satisfying sauce that everyone will love.
How Can I Store and Reheat Leftovers Effectively?
Storing and reheating leftovers is easy! Transfer your pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.
When you're ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to revive the creamy texture.
Stir frequently until heated through. This method keeps your pasta deliciously creamy and ensures every bite is as delightful as the first.
Enjoy your tasty creation again!
