Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

The magic of this baked feta pasta comes from the creamy feta and juicy tomatoes, which meld together in the oven to create a rich, velvety sauce. As the feta softens and begins to melt, it releases its tangy, salty goodness into the tomatoes, which burst and release their sweet juices. The whole dish is tossed together with the pasta, and it’s like everything just falls into place—each bite has the perfect balance of flavors. It’s one of those dishes that feels so simple, yet somehow makes you feel like a culinary genius. The blend of the creamy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and the touch of garlic and olive oil transforms a few humble ingredients into something comforting and luxurious. If you want to make it your own, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a bright twist that’ll elevate the dish even further. It’s a recipe that not only fills your stomach but also warms your soul.

Key Ingredients in Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Each ingredient in this dish plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible combination of flavors. The best part is, you probably already have most of them in your pantry or fridge, making this recipe both easy and comforting. Let’s dive into the key players:

• Feta Cheese
  Feta brings the perfect amount of tanginess and saltiness, which softens and melts beautifully in the oven, enriching the tomato sauce. It’s the creamy base that ties everything together and gives the dish its signature flavor.
• Cherry Tomatoes
  These juicy, little bursts of sweetness are what make this dish so vibrant. As they roast, they soften and release their natural sweetness, blending perfectly with the salty feta to create a luscious, rich sauce.
• Olive Oil
  A generous drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a smooth, fruity flavor and helps the ingredients roast to perfection. It also helps to meld the feta and tomatoes into a silky sauce, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Garlic
  Garlic adds depth and warmth, infusing the dish with its fragrant aroma. When roasted, it becomes tender and sweet, balancing the tang of the feta and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
• Pasta
  The pasta is the canvas that holds all the flavors together. Choose your favorite shape—whether it’s penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti—to create a comforting base that soaks up all the creamy, garlicky goodness.
• Fresh Herbs (optional)
  A sprinkle of fresh basil, oregano, or thyme brings a burst of color and freshness to the dish. It’s the finishing touch that brightens up the flavors and adds an herbaceous note to each bite.
• Lemon (optional)
  A squeeze of lemon adds a zesty pop of freshness, balancing out the richness of the feta and olive oil. It’s an optional twist, but it gives the dish a delightful brightness that makes it even more crave-worthy.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Serving Suggestions for Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

1. A Side of Garlic Bread
There’s nothing like a slice of crispy, buttery garlic bread to dip into the creamy sauce of this pasta. The garlicky, toasted bread soaks up every bit of the luscious feta-tomato goodness, and it’s a match made in heaven.

2. A Light Salad
Pair this dish with a fresh, light salad to balance out the richness. A simple mix of arugula, spinach, or even a tangy Greek salad with cucumbers, red onions, and olives would complement the flavors perfectly without overpowering them.

3. A Glass of Crisp White Wine
If you’re in the mood for a drink, pour yourself a glass of chilled white wine—something like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. The acidity and freshness of the wine will cut through the creaminess of the dish and elevate the whole experience.

Feel free to play around with these ideas depending on what you’re craving, but these are my personal go-tos when I want to create a little something extra to go with this dish!

How to Store Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (trust me, it’s hard not to go back for seconds), storing this dish properly is key to keeping it just as delicious as the first time you had it. To store your baked feta pasta, let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.

For short-term storage, keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra olive oil or pasta water to bring the creamy sauce back to life. The flavors will still be rich and comforting, though it’s best to consume it within a few days for the freshest taste.

If you want to freeze it for a longer stretch of time, this dish does freeze well, though the texture of the pasta might change slightly once thawed. To do so, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to a month. When reheating, it’s best to let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on low heat, again adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep that creamy consistency.

Conclusion

And that’s it—your ticket to a creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes is all set! This dish is the perfect blend of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or bringing it to a gathering, it’s sure to steal the show. The way the feta and tomatoes meld into a silky sauce is simply irresistible, and you can’t help but feel proud of yourself for pulling it off so effortlessly.

I’d love to hear how it turns out if you give this recipe a try! Have any fun tweaks or stories from your kitchen? Feel free to drop a comment or share your feedback—I’m always here for a chat. And if you’ve got any questions or need help, just let me know. Enjoy the cooking, and most importantly, enjoy the eating!

Print Recipe

Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 45 mins

Calories: 450

Description

A creamy, savory pasta dish where the feta cheese melts into a luscious, tangy sauce, perfectly balanced by sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes. With hints of garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs, this warm, comforting meal is pure bliss in every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 8 ounces feta cheese

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish.
3. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the feta cheese in the dish.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the feta cheese and tomatoes, ensuring an even coating.
5. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper evenly over the feta and tomatoes.
6. Use a spoon or your hands to gently toss the tomatoes in the oil and seasonings, making sure they are well-coated.
7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden around the edges.
8. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
9. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
10. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
11. Once the feta and tomatoes have finished baking, remove the dish from the oven.
12. Use a spoon or fork to mash the feta cheese and tomatoes together until they form a creamy sauce.
13. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish with the mashed feta and tomatoes, tossing them together to coat the pasta in the sauce.
14. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
15. Chop the fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta just before serving.
16. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
17. Serve the baked feta pasta warm and enjoy.

Note

• Use block feta cheese for the creamiest texture, as crumbled feta will not melt in the same way.
• For a sweeter flavor, use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes to your taste.
• Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining, as it helps to adjust the sauce's consistency.
• Feel free to add extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers for more color and flavor.

Keywords: baked tomato pasta easy, easy feta pasta, feta pasta feta pasta baked recipe