Pin It 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 first made this dish for a family dinner and everyone loved the burst of flavors and simple preparation.
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)
- Pitted Kalamata olives: 100 g, 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 oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange ingredients:
- 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 feta and tomatoes:
- 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 pasta and sauce:
- 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 and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Pin It This recipe quickly became a favorite at my Sunday family dinners, bringing everyone together over a shared love for simple Mediterranean flavors.
Cooking Tips
For the best flavor, use high-quality feta and fresh cherry tomatoes. Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
Variations
Try adding roasted red peppers or substituting the olives with green olives. You can also add cooked chicken for a non-vegetarian option.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
Pin It This baked feta pasta is the perfect weeknight meal that combines ease with impressive flavor in every bite.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the baked feta sauce well due to their ridges and hollow shapes.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
While feta is essential for its creamy, tangy texture, halloumi or goat cheese could be alternatives but will change the final taste and consistency.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Yes, adding reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and creates a silky texture when mixing with the baked feta and tomatoes.
- → Can I add greens to this dish?
Adding baby spinach or arugula before serving provides extra freshness and balances the rich flavors.
- → What herbs complement this pasta best?
Dried oregano is baked with the dish, and fresh basil added at the end offers fragrant, aromatic notes that enhance the Mediterranean profile.