Baked Feta Pasta: Fast, Cozy Dinner for Busy Weeknights

Looking for a cozy dinner that comes together with almost no fuss? Baked Feta Pasta hits the spot creamy, tangy feta melts into roasted grape tomatoes to make a silky, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bow tie. It’s bright from the tomatoes, rich from the feta, and fragrant with basil and Italian seasoning. This dish feels special but takes almost no work, so it’s perfect when you want comfort without a lot of cleanup.

Top reasons to make it: it’s quick, uses simple pantry staples, and feeds a family or makes great leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes perfect for busy weeknights.
• Made with pantry staples and one block of feta.
• Kid- and adult-friendly flavor that feels gourmet.
• Easy to adapt for dietary needs or to stretch into lunches.

Want another easy pasta idea? Try this green spaghetti for a healthy twist: Green Spaghetti Recipe for Healthy Pasta Lovers.

Ingredients of BAKED FETA PASTA

• 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
• 1 — 8 oz brick of Feta cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm

Step-by-Step Instructions of BAKED FETA PASTA

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking dish with foil or parchment.
2. Toss the grape tomatoes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt in the baking dish. Nestle the feta brick in the center and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese.
3. Roast the tomatoes and feta for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden on top.
4. Remove the dish from the oven and use a fork to mash and mix the tomatoes and softened feta together, creating a chunky sauce.
5. Stir in the chopped basil, then add the warm cooked bow tie pasta to the dish. Toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce.
6. Taste and adjust salt if needed, then serve immediately with extra basil on top.

Tips for Success

• Roast until tomatoes are bursting that caramelized sweetness makes the sauce shine.
• Use full-fat feta for a creamier, richer sauce.
• Keep the pasta warm before tossing so the sauce spreads evenly.

Substitutions & Variations of BAKED FETA PASTA

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:

• Vegan: Use a firm vegan feta or a baked tofu ricotta seasoned with lemon and salt.
• Gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions.

Variations:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Stir in cooked spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Mix in cooked chicken or chickpeas for more protein.
• Finish with a spoonful of pesto for a herb-forward twist.

Storage Instructions of BAKED FETA PASTA

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezer: Not ideal for freezing because the texture of the tomatoes and feta can change. If you must, freeze in a shallow container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Make-Ahead: Roast the tomatoes and feta a day ahead and keep them refrigerated. Warm gently and stir with hot pasta just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of BAKED FETA PASTA

How do I prevent the feta from burning?

• Drizzle oil over the feta and roast at moderate heat (400°F). Check at 20 minutes and cover loosely if it looks like it’s browning too fast.

Can I use another shape of pasta?

• Yes penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti all work. Bow ties are great for catching the sauce, but use what you have.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

• It’s best eaten fresh or refrigerated. Freezing can change the texture of the sauce, but you can freeze if needed and expect some texture changes.

Conclusion

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple, feel-good dish that turns a handful of ingredients into a saucy, comforting meal perfect for busy nights or when you want something tasty with minimal fuss. Try this twist on a pasta classic and see how one block of feta and some roasted tomatoes can make your kitchen smell like heaven on a rainy day.

Baked Feta Pasta

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A cozy and easy pasta dish featuring creamy feta cheese melted into roasted tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

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• 2 ½ 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking dish with foil or parchment.
2. Toss the grape tomatoes with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, Italian seasoning, and salt in the baking dish. Nestle the feta brick in the center and drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese.
3. Roast the tomatoes and feta for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden on top.
4. Remove the dish from the oven and mash and mix the tomatoes and softened feta together with a fork, creating a chunky sauce.
5. Stir in the chopped basil, then add the warm cooked bow tie pasta to the dish. Toss until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
6. Taste and adjust salt if needed, then serve immediately with extra basil on top.

Notes

Use full-fat feta for a creamier sauce. You can make this dish vegan by substituting vegan feta or baked tofu ricotta.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian