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Baked Tomato & Feta Pasta Recipe

Baked Tomato & Feta Pasta has become a go-to dish for those seeking a simple and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare. With its creamy feta cheese, roasted tomatoes, and pasta all tossed together into one dish, it’s no surprise this recipe has gained such popularity.

This dish combines just a few basic ingredients to create a comforting meal that everyone will love. The feta cheese melts along with the roasted tomatoes creating a creamy sauce that has a burst of natural sweetness.

Add in a little garlic and olive oil to enhance the overall flavor and toss everything together with pasta which will make every bite delicious and satisfying.

baked tomato & feta pasta

While this recipe is straightforward and simple, there’s plenty of room for customization. From using different herbs and spices to adding your favorite protein like chicken breast or shrimp, this dish can be tailored to suit your tastes.

Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this baked tomato & feta pasta is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

The concept of this recipe went viral on TikTok for a variety of reasons. First, this recipe is perfect for those who want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The oven does most of the work, roasting the tomatoes and melting the cheese to perfection. Once everything is combined, the result is a baked tomato & feta pasta dish that feels like it came from a gourmet kitchen but was made with minimal effort.

Another reason for its popularity is its adaptability. You can easily switch up the ingredients to make it your own. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat, mix in spinach for added greens, or top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. The possibilities are endless, making it a versatile recipe for any occasion.

cherry tomatoes and cheese in baking dish

The Role of Feta Cheese

Feta cheese is the star ingredient of this Baked Tomato & Feta recipe. To achieve the creamiest texture, use a block of feta cheese rather than the pre-crumbled variety. The block form melts evenly and blends perfectly with the roasted tomatoes, creating a rich and velvety sauce.

Look for Greek feta if possible, as it offers the ideal balance of tanginess and creaminess. Most grocery stores carry block feta cheese in the specialty cheese section.

If you want to experiment, you could try using goat cheese or a blend of feta and cream cheese for a slightly different flavor in your baked tomato & feta dish.

How to Roast the Tomatoes

Just like when making Cheesy Tomato Dip, roasting the cherry tomatoes is essential for developing their natural sweetness and softening their texture. The heat from the oven caramelizes the tomatoes, bringing out their juices, which mix with the melted feta to create the sauce.

To take the dish a step further, you can broil the tomatoes for a few minutes after roasting. This step gives them a slight char, adding a smoky depth that enhances the baked tomato & feta pasta flavor. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

roasted tomatoes and cheese

Best Type of Pasta to Use For Baked Tomato & Feta Pasta

The choice of pasta plays a crucial role in this dish. For the best results, opt for pasta shapes that can hold onto the creamy sauce. Rotini, fusilli, or penne are excellent options, as their ridges and curves capture the feta and tomato mixture, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.

If you prefer something different, you can try rigatoni, farfalle, or even cavatappi with the baked tomato & feta sauce. Each of these shapes provides a slightly unique texture and holds up well to the robust sauce.

However, avoid using thin pastas like spaghetti or angel hair, as they do not pair as well with the dish’s consistency.

Assembling the Baked Tomato & Feta Dish

Once the feta and tomatoes are roasted, it’s time to bring everything together. Use a fork or spoon to mash the tomatoes and garlic cloves, creating a smooth, flavorful base. Stir in the feta cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated.

Cook your pasta according to package instructions, reserving some of the pasta water. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss it with the sauce. If the mixture feels too thick, use the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency for your baked tomato & feta pasta dish.

Finish the recipe with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature as a pasta salad variation.

smashing baked tomatoes & feta cheese

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about Baked Feta Pasta is how easily you can customize it. Here are a few ideas to inspire you to make this dish your own:

  • Herbs and Spices: Add dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the dish before baking. Fresh parsley or dill can also be sprinkled on top before serving.
  • Heat: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • Greens: Mix in fresh spinach, arugula, or kale just before serving your baked tomato & feta pasta for added nutrients and texture.
  • Vegetables: Incorporate roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make it heartier.
  • Protein: If you want a heartier meal add in your favorite protein. Chicken, shrimp, sausage, or tofu pair perfectly with this dish. Simply cook your protein separately and mix it in when combining the pasta and sauce.

Important Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh, ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Make sure to salt the pasta water generously; this enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.
  • If you’re using any add-ins like spinach or cooked chicken, mix them in just before serving to preserve their texture and flavor.
penne pasta in a tomato cheese sauce

Baked Tomato & Feta Pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. In fact, you can serve it as a main dish or side dish.

With its creamy sauce, roasted tomatoes, and endless customization options, this dish is a great addition to your meal rotation. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different herbs, spices, and proteins, you’re sure to end up with a meal that everyone will love.

Give this Baked Feta Pasta a try, and discover why it’s so popular!

ENJOY!

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baked tomato & feta pasta

Baked Tomato & Feta Pasta

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Baked tomato and feta cheese combine together to make a delicious creamy sauce that is then tossed with cooked pasta for an easy, yet delicious main dish or side dish recipe.

Ingredients

  • 8 ounce block of feta cheese
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic, whole and peeled
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
  • 8 ounces uncooked rotini pasta

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and then place the block of feta in the center of the dish.
  2. Place the tomatoes and garlic cloves around the block of feta cheese.
  3. Drizzle the olive oil over top of the ingredients and then season with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat.
  4. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  5. While the dish is in the oven cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions for al' dente consistency. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
  6. Optional step: With the feta, tomatoes and garlic still in the baking dish, turn the oven to broil for 2-3 minutes or until the tomatoes are blistered. Watch carefully so that they don't burn. Remove the baking dish from the oven and squish the tomatoes and garlic cloves. Then stir until evenly distributed.
  7. Add the fresh basil and the cooked and drained pasta and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is thick, pour in little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
  8. Garnish with more basil strips if desired. Serve warm

Notes

  • If you are serving this as a side dish, this recipe wil make 8 servings.
  • Optional add-ins: cooked and diced chicken, shrimp, sausage or tofu. Add the cooked protein at the same time that you add the pasta.

Recipe provided by igrowtomatoes.com

Nutrition Information
Yield 4
Amount Per Serving Calories 511Total Fat 40gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 50mgSodium 844mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 3gSugar 7gProtein 13g

Recipes shared are not from a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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