- Baked Feta Pasta

$- Pasta types: Fusilli or Penne - Key ingredients: Feta cheese, Cherry tomatoes, Garlic - Optional ingredients for added flavor: Olive oil, oregano, red pepper flakes Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference in your baked feta pasta. For the pasta, I recommend using fusilli or penne. Both hold the sauce well, making every bite delicious. The star of our dish is feta cheese. Get a block of feta, as it melts beautifully. The next key ingredient is cherry tomatoes. Halve them for the best flavor and texture. Lastly, you need garlic. Minced garlic adds a nice kick to the dish. To elevate the flavor, consider these optional ingredients. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the dish. It adds richness and depth. Dried oregano brings a lovely herbal note. If you enjoy a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes for spice. This simple list of ingredients is easy to find. You can create a gourmet meal that even beginners can master. Make sure to check out the Full Recipe to see how these ingredients come together. 1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. 2. Assemble the baking dish: Grab a large baking dish. Place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with halved cherry tomatoes. 3. Season the dish: Sprinkle minced garlic over the feta and tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil on top. Add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. 1. Baking duration and temperature: Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The feta should be soft, and the tomatoes will blister. 2. Checking for doneness: Keep an eye on the dish. You want the feta to melt and the tomatoes to burst. 1. Cooking pasta until al dente: While your dish bakes, cook your pasta. Follow the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means a little firm. 2. Draining and preparing for mixing: Once cooked, drain the pasta. Set it aside until the feta and tomatoes are ready to mix. This method gives you a quick and easy dinner that bursts with flavor. For the full recipe, check out Baked Feta Pasta Delight. To get that dreamy creamy texture, you must mix the melted feta and tomatoes well. Start by using a fork to mash the feta once it softens. This makes it blend easier with the tomatoes. I recommend using a large bowl for mixing. It gives you enough space to work the ingredients together. If you want even better results, a silicone spatula can help scoop and fold the mixture smoothly. Keep an eye on your pasta while cooking. You want it to be al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy when mixed with the feta and tomatoes. To avoid this, set a timer and taste it a minute or two before the package says. Also, taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to bring out the flavors. You can also add a splash more olive oil if needed. For a beautiful finish, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest. The bright colors make it look appealing. You can serve the pasta in a nice bowl or right from the baking dish for a rustic feel. Add a drizzle of olive oil on top for shine. This not only looks great but also adds a nice touch of flavor. {{image_2}} You can make baked feta pasta even better by adding veggies. Spinach brings a nice green touch. You can toss in a couple of handfuls before baking. Zucchini also works well. Just slice it thinly and mix in with the tomatoes. You can even use different types of tomatoes. Cherry, grape, or even heirloom tomatoes add unique flavors. Mixing these can change the taste and look of your dish. Want to make your meal heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp can be great choices. Simply cook them first and mix them in right before serving. If you prefer a vegetarian option, chickpeas are perfect. They add protein and a nice texture. Just rinse and drain them before mixing into your pasta. You can tweak the flavor to suit your taste. Want it spicy? Use more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, skip them altogether. You can also play with herbs. Try adding thyme, rosemary, or even fresh parsley. Each herb changes the flavor in its own way. So don’t be afraid to experiment! After enjoying your baked feta pasta, store leftovers properly. Let the dish cool down before placing it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This helps prevent drying out and keeps flavors intact. You can enjoy your leftovers for up to three days. You can reheat your pasta in two ways: the oven or the microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover it, and heat for about 15 minutes. This method helps keep the pasta creamy and warm. For the microwave, use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts of one minute, stirring in between. This ensures even heating without drying the pasta. If you want to store the dish longer, freezing is a good option. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label the container with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, transfer the dish to the fridge overnight to thaw. Then, reheat in the oven as mentioned above, or use the microwave. Enjoy your Baked Feta Pasta Delight anytime! For the full recipe, check out the original guide. Baked Feta Pasta lasts about three to five days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. It helps to let it cool before sealing. Check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or mold, before eating. If you want to enjoy it later, consider freezing it. Yes, you can use other cheeses! Goat cheese gives a tangy taste. Cream cheese adds a rich creaminess. Mozzarella melts nicely for a gooey texture. Each cheese will change the flavor a bit, so pick what you like best. Baked Feta Pasta is great for meal prep! Cook the pasta and bake the feta ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. This way, you can mix and heat them when ready to eat. Keep portions easy to grab for lunch or dinner. Baked feta pasta is simple and delicious. We discussed key ingredients like pasta, feta, and tomatoes. You learned steps to prepare, bake, and cook the pasta perfectly. I shared tips for creaminess and presented ideas for variations with veggies and proteins. Lastly, I covered how to store and reheat leftovers effectively. Remember, you can make this dish your own by experimenting with flavors. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Discover the mouthwatering Baked Feta Pasta Delight that’s sure to impress your taste buds! This easy recipe combines creamy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one dish. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can create a flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and bring a touch of gourmet to your dinner table!

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Ingredients

200g pasta (fusilli or penne)

200g block of feta cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes and sprinkle the minced garlic on top.

Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the feta and tomatoes.

Sprinkle the dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the entire dish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and tomatoes are blistered.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, mix the melted feta and tomatoes together until creamy.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until well combined.

If desired, add lemon zest for a fresh kick and mix well.

Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4