Baked Feta Pasta – Creamy, Flavorful, and Easy Dinner Recipe

If you’re looking for a fast, easy, and incredibly flavorful pasta dinner, this Baked Feta Pasta is the perfect recipe! Originally made famous on social media, this creamy, tangy, and cheesy pasta dish has become a go-to for busy weeknights.

Made with minimal ingredients and requiring almost no prep, this one-pan dish combines roasted feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and pasta into a rich, creamy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a special date night, or a quick weeknight dinner, this Baked Feta Pasta is guaranteed to impress.

Let’s dive into this delicious and easy baked feta pasta recipe and learn how to make it step by step!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ One-Pan Meal: Bake everything in the oven, then toss with pasta—minimal cleanup!

✔️ Rich & Creamy Flavor: The feta cheese melts into a luscious, tangy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

✔️ Fast & Easy: Requires only 5 minutes of prep and is ready in under 40 minutes.

✔️ Customizable: Add chicken, shrimp, vegetables, or different cheeses to make it your own.

✔️ Perfect for Date Night or Family Dinner: A simple yet elegant meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Baked Feta Pasta, you’ll need:

• Cherry Tomatoes: 2 pints (about 4 cups), whole
• Feta Cheese Block: 8 ounces
• Olive Oil: ¼ cup (extra virgin for the best flavor)
• Garlic Cloves: 4, minced
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste
• Red Pepper Flakes: ½ teaspoon (optional for heat)
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Basil Leaves: ½ cup, chopped (for freshness)
• Pasta: 12 ounces (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)

🔄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:

• Use Goat Cheese Instead of Feta: For a milder, creamier sauce.
• Make It Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Add More Vegetables: Try spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Spice It Up: Use chili flakes or a drizzle of hot honey.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this Baked Feta Pasta, you’ll need:

• Baking Dish (for roasting the feta and tomatoes)
• Large Pot (for boiling pasta)
• Mixing Spoon (for stirring the pasta into the sauce)
• Knife & Cutting Board (for chopping garlic and basil)

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Feta & Tomatoes

In a large baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together to coat the tomatoes evenly.

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, pushing the tomatoes to the sides. Drizzle with a little more olive oil.

Step 3: Bake Until Roasted

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and bursting, and the feta is golden and melted.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Mash the Feta & Mix the Sauce

Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, use a spoon to mash the feta and roasted tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. Add the chopped basil and stir well.

Step 6: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta into the baking dish, mixing everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with extra fresh basil, black pepper, or Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

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Expert Tips for the Best Baked Feta Pasta

✅ Use a Block of Feta: Crumbled feta won’t melt as smoothly—use a whole block for the best texture.

✅ Roast Until the Tomatoes Burst: This helps release their natural sweetness into the sauce.

✅ Reserve Some Pasta Water: Adding a little reserved pasta water makes the sauce even creamier.

✅ Let It Rest Before Serving: Letting the pasta sit for 5 minutes allows the sauce to thicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Using Low-Quality Feta: Authentic Greek feta made from sheep’s milk has the best flavor and texture.

❌ Overcooking the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta so it absorbs the sauce better.

❌ Skipping the Seasonings: A pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning enhances the overall flavor.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This Baked Feta Pasta pairs well with:

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• Side Salad – A fresh arugula or Greek salad balances the richness.
• Grilled Chicken or Shrimp – Adds extra protein for a complete meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil.

Freezing: Not recommended, as the cheese sauce may separate when thawed.

Recipe Variations & Ingredient Swaps

🔥 Spicy Baked Feta Pasta: Add 1 teaspoon of chili flakes or use spicy feta.

🍃 Pesto Feta Pasta: Stir in 2 tablespoons of basil pesto for a fresh twist.

🥑 Creamy Avocado Version: Blend in ½ mashed avocado for extra creaminess.

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FAQs About Baked Feta Pasta

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

A feta block melts better and creates a smoother sauce, but crumbled feta will work in a pinch.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the baked feta and tomatoes in advance and mix with fresh pasta when ready to serve.

Can I use a different cheese?

Absolutely! Try goat cheese, ricotta, or burrata for a unique twist.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for more fiber and protein.

Conclusion

This Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a romantic dinner, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit!

Try this recipe today and let me know how it turns out! If you loved it, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious recipes.

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