Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 16 oz cherry tomatoes; 8 oz block feta packed in water; ⅓ cup olive oil; ½ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; 1 garlic clove, minced; ¼ cup fresh chopped basil; ½ tsp lemon zest; ½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional); 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)

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If you have yet to try this irresistible Baked Feta Pasta Recipe, you are in for a game-changing experience. This dish combines the juicy sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes with creamy, tangy feta cheese that melts into a luscious sauce, coating every bite of perfectly cooked pasta. It is the perfect balance of simplicity and bold flavors, making it a quick weeknight winner or a dish to impress friends without breaking a sweat. Every element brings something to the table—from the zesty lemon to the fresh basil—making this pasta as vibrant as it is comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked mixture of red cherry tomatoes and melted, creamy white cheese, scattered with fresh green basil leaves. The tomatoes are whole and soft, with some broken open, adding a juicy red layer on top while the cheese beneath looks bubbly and slightly browned on the edges. A woman's hand holding a silver spoon is scooping a portion from the center, showing a bit of the creamy inside mixing with the tomatoes. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe just right means gathering a handful of simple but superstar ingredients. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building the flavor layers, adding texture, or giving the final dish that stunning pop of color we all love.

16 oz cherry tomatoes: These burst with juicy sweetness when roasted, forming the base of the sauce.
8 oz block feta packed in water: The star of the show, feta melts into creamy decadence and adds tangy depth.
⅓ cup olive oil: Rich and smooth, it helps roast the tomatoes and feta evenly while enhancing flavor.
½ tsp sea salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all other ingredients.
¼ tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
1 garlic clove (minced): Infuses a warm, aromatic punch into the sauce.
¼ cup fresh chopped basil: Brings a fresh and herbal brightness to finish the dish.
½ tsp lemon zest: Adds a refreshing zing that lifts the entire flavor profile.
½ tsp crushed red pepper (optional): For those who like a touch of fiery excitement.
8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta): Perfect for soaking up that irresistibly creamy sauce.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This ensures that the feta and tomatoes will roast perfectly, getting those beautiful golden edges and bursting flavors.

Step 2: Arrange Tomatoes and Feta

Place your cherry tomatoes in a rectangular baking dish and nestle the block of feta right in the center. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Give the tomatoes a quick toss to coat them well while leaving the feta block just as it is in the center—it will melt wonderfully in the oven.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are bursting with juices and the feta is soft, creamy, and turning a lovely golden brown on top. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your tomatoes and feta are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside, so it’s ready to soak up that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Fresh Ingredients

Once the baking dish is out of the oven, add the minced garlic, fresh chopped basil, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper if you want that mild kick. Stir everything together until the feta, tomatoes, and seasonings create a creamy, irresistible sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss thoroughly. Every noodle should be enveloped in that velvety sauce that’s both tangy and rich, with bursts of sweet roasted tomato in every bite.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Divide the pasta into bowls and finish with extra fresh basil, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper, freshly cracked black pepper, and if you like, a dusting of parmesan to add an extra layer of cheesy goodness.

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

The image shows a white shallow bowl filled with creamy penne pasta. The pasta is coated in a pale yellow creamy sauce with small bits of red cooked tomatoes scattered throughout, giving a soft texture, and green basil leaves placed on top and mixed inside. White grated cheese is sprinkled lightly over the pasta. A silver fork is placed in the pasta on the left side of the bowl. In the blurred background, there is a white bowl with extra grated cheese and a glass of water with a lemon slice. All of this sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil and cracked black pepper are classic choices to brighten and complement the creaminess, but don’t shy away from adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch and richness.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines best with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or some garlic bread that invites you to scoop up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or rustic bowls to keep it warm longer. You could also add colorful veggies like roasted peppers or olives stirred in before serving for added texture and vibrancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making second helpings equally delicious.

Freezing

For best texture, freezing this pasta is not ideal because the feta and roasted tomatoes might become watery upon thawing. If you must freeze, do so in a sealed container and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water to revive the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works perfectly for holding onto the sauce, feel free to experiment with farfalle, fusilli, or even spaghetti based on your preference.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, swapping regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version works wonderfully here without compromising the taste or texture.

Can I add protein to the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy chickpeas make great additions if you want to boost the protein content and make it more filling.

What if I do not have fresh basil?

Fresh basil adds a lovely herbal note, but if you don’t have any on hand, dried basil or fresh parsley can also complement the flavors well.

Is the crushed red pepper necessary?

The crushed red pepper is optional and adds a gentle heat to balance the creaminess and sweetness. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to leave it out or adjust to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent yet is incredibly simple to make. It’s perfect for nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious pasta, it will become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation. So, grab your ingredients, heat that oven, and dig in—you’re in for an unforgettable dinner!