If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and Instagram-worthy dinner idea, look no further than Baked Feta Pasta! This recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with the perfect combination of flavors.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish will make you feel like a gourmet chef in no time.
Let’s dive into how you can whip up this delicious meal in under an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples like pasta, olive oil, and seasoning, you can create a restaurant-quality dish.
- Easy Prep: The prep time is only 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite veggies, proteins, or spices to make it your own.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is rich and satisfying, sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 1 brick of feta cheese (8 oz)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor. The feta cheese melts into a creamy sauce while the roasted tomatoes add a sweet and tangy kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, gather your ingredients and prepare your baking dish.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Place the grape tomatoes in a medium-sized baking dish. Make sure they’re evenly spread out. Then, place the block of feta cheese right in the center of the tomatoes.
3. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta cheese. This will help everything roast beautifully and bring out the flavors.
4. Add Seasoning:
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of salt over the tomatoes and feta. For an extra touch of flavor, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder if you like.
5. Bake to Perfection:
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta cheese. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst and the feta has softened into a creamy texture.
6. Mix It All Together:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Use a spoon or fork to mash and stir the feta cheese and roasted tomatoes until they’re well combined into a luscious sauce.
7. Add Fresh Basil:
Stir in ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness and aroma.
8. Toss with Pasta:
Finally, mix in your cooked bow tie pasta until everything is evenly coated in the creamy tomato-feta sauce. Serve immediately while it’s hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Feta Cheese: The feta is the star of this dish, so make sure to use a good-quality block of feta (not crumbled). Block feta melts better and creates a creamier sauce.
- Don’t Skip the Fresh Basil: The basil adds a fresh, herby note that balances the richness of the cheese.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add extras like spinach, roasted garlic, grilled chicken, or shrimp for added texture and flavor.
- Save Pasta Water: If you find the sauce too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Nutrition Information
Here’s the breakdown per serving (serves 4):
- Calories: 451
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 790mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 14g
This dish strikes a balance between indulgence and nutrition. It’s rich in healthy fats from olive oil and packed with protein from feta cheese.
Why This Recipe Is So Popular
Baked Feta Pasta became an internet sensation for its simplicity and incredible flavor. It’s one of those dishes that looks fancy but takes minimal effort—perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself after a long day. The roasted tomatoes create a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy feta, while the pasta ties everything together into one comforting bowl of goodness.
Wrap-Up
If you haven’t tried Baked Feta Pasta yet, now is the time! With just a few ingredients and easy steps, you can create a meal that feels both luxurious and comforting. So grab your baking dish and get ready to fall in love with this viral recipe—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Have you made Baked Feta Pasta before? Let us know your favorite variations or tips in the comments below! Happy cooking!
Print
Baked Feta Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This viral baked feta pasta is a quick and flavorful dish made with sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and fresh basil tossed with warm bow tie pasta. A simple yet delicious weeknight dinner ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
2½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
1 (8 oz) brick of feta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons olive oil
¼ cup chopped fresh basil
12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium-sized baking dish, spread the grape tomatoes evenly.
Place the feta cheese brick in the center of the tomatoes.
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta.
Sprinkle Italian seasoning and salt evenly over the top.
Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
Remove from oven and stir the baked feta and tomatoes together until creamy and well combined.
Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Add the warm cooked pasta to the baking dish and mix until fully coated. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, add minced garlic or crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
Works great with any pasta shape such as penne or rotini.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 451 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 790 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
