Save There is something magical about the way salty feta and sweet cherry tomatoes come together in this baked pasta dish. The oven does most of the heavy lifting here as the feta melts and tomatoes burst into a luscious, creamy sauce with very little effort. It is a Mediterranean-inspired weeknight dinner that feels both cozy and effortlessly elegant.
I made this for friends during a chill winter evening and it was the most effortless dinner party dish. Now it is my go-to whenever I need something comforting but light.
Ingredients
- Cherry tomatoes: Bring juicy sweetness and become the base of the sauce pick firm ripe ones for the most flavor
- Feta cheese: Gives the dish its creamy tang use a whole block for best melting and always check it is made with sheep's milk for authentic flavor
- Garlic: Adds punch and depth fresh minced gives the best result
- Red onion (optional): For extra savoriness slice thin so it cooks quickly
- Dried pasta: Fusilli or penne work beautifully hold the sauce well cook just until al dente
- Extra virgin olive oil: Enriches everything quality matters for flavor look for cold-pressed with a peppery finish
- Dried oregano: Boosts Mediterranean flavor choose fresh and aromatic
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick
- Freshly ground black pepper: Lifts all the flavors grind just before using
- Sea salt: Keeps everything balanced taste often as salty feta might mean you need less
- Fresh basil: Brings bright herbal notes choose vibrant leaves and tear right before adding
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it reaches temperature by the time you assemble everything
- Layer the Vegetables:
- Place washed cherry tomatoes minced garlic and sliced red onion in a large ovenproof baking dish Drizzle with half the olive oil then add a generous sprinkle of salt pepper oregano and if using red pepper flakes Toss gently to coat every tomato
- Nestle the Feta:
- Clear a space in the center and place the feta block there Drizzle with the rest of the olive oil so it gets a golden top during baking
- Bake Until Creamy:
- Slide the dish into the oven Bake for thirty to thirty five minutes until the tomatoes are shriveled and juicy and the feta is golden on top and melty inside The aroma will tell you when it is ready
- Cook the Pasta:
- While everything bakes bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add pasta and cook until just al dente Reserve some pasta water before draining as it helps loosen the sauce
- Mash the Sauce:
- Remove the baking dish and using a fork gently break up the feta and tomatoes The goal is a creamy sauce with pockets of tomato richness
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Tip the drained pasta directly into the dish Add pasta water a few tablespoons at a time and toss gently until the sauce clings to every bite
- Finish with Basil and Seasoning:
- Tear fresh basil over the dish and stir through Taste and add more salt or pepper if you like Serve hot and garnish with extra basil for color
Save Feta is my secret ingredient for making creamy pasta without heavy cream In our house this recipe is famous from one summer when my daughter helped tear basil and ended up eating half the garnish before it hit the pasta
Storage Tips
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce Pasta does not freeze well here but the feta tomato sauce on its own can be frozen in smaller containers for future quick meals
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap feta for a quality vegan feta if you are plant based Goat cheese will work but brings more tang For the pasta gluten free varieties can be substituted without issue Also try a handful of baby spinach or a scattering of olives for different bursts of flavor
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables Crusty bread is fantastic to mop up the sauce If you want protein add canned chickpeas to the tomato mix before baking
Cultural and Seasonal Variations
This dish draws on the Mediterranean tradition of baking cheese with garden vegetables In summer try using heirloom cherry tomatoes for more colors and flavors In winter a few strips of roasted red peppers add smoky depth
Save Prepare this pasta for a comforting dinner and watch it disappear fast Serve hot and finish with extra basil for the perfect touch.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use any type of pasta?
Yes, penne or fusilli work well, but most short dried pasta shapes are suitable for this dish.
- → What can I substitute for feta cheese?
Vegan feta or another tangy cheese like goat cheese can be used as an alternative. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- → How do I achieve a silky sauce?
Reserve pasta cooking water and add it gradually while tossing the pasta with the baked feta and tomato mixture.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, roasted bell peppers, spinach, or olives make tasty additions. Adjust baking times for added vegetables.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all labels are checked for allergens.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy cheese and Mediterranean flavors beautifully.