Name: Original Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb bowtie or orzo pasta; 2 pints (20-25 oz) cherry tomatoes; 1 8 oz block feta cheese; 1/2 cup olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 pinches red pepper flakes; 1 handful fresh basil leaves; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Balsamic glaze (optional, for sweetness)

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Introduction

This Original Baked Feta Pasta recipe has taken the cooking world by storm with its simplicity and bold flavors. Combining roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s an easy and delicious weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

A white pan filled with farfalle pasta that is light yellow and slightly cooked, mixed with roasted red cherry tomatoes that have a wrinkled texture, small white dollops of soft ricotta cheese scattered evenly throughout, and fresh bright green basil leaves placed on top for color contrast, with a gold spoon resting inside the pan. The scene is set against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb pasta (bowtie or orzo recommended)
1/2 cup olive oil
2 pints cherry tomatoes (around 20-25 oz)
1 8 oz block of feta cheese
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 pinches red pepper flakes
1 handful fresh basil leaves
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
Balsamic glaze (optional, if tomatoes are too sour)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. Drizzle with a little more olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. Bake for 30 minutes.
Step 3: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
Step 4: After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake the feta and tomatoes for an additional 5-10 minutes until they are nicely browned.
Step 5: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Immediately add the chopped garlic and fresh basil leaves, stirring gently. The residual heat will mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels dry, stir in about 1/4 cup of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 7: If the tomatoes taste too tart, drizzle some balsamic glaze over the pasta for added sweetness before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use different pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if bowtie or orzo are unavailable.
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice when tossing the pasta.
If you like a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese.
To make it vegan, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese and omit the dairy.
Roast garlic cloves whole with the tomatoes instead of raw garlic for a milder taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

This dish is a close-up view of farfalle pasta mixed with three main layers: pale golden bowtie-shaped pasta as the base, roasted red cherry tomatoes scattered throughout adding bright red color and slightly wrinkled texture, and dollops of soft white ricotta cheese placed evenly on top. Small fresh green basil leaves are sprinkled across, giving spots of vivid green. The pasta and tomatoes look lightly coated with olive oil, which gives a subtle shine and smooth texture. The dish is presented on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherry tomatoes for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh cherry tomatoes for optimal texture and flavor, but if frozen tomatoes are your only option, thaw and drain them well before baking to reduce excess moisture.

What can I substitute for feta cheese if I don’t have any?

Paneer or ricotta salata can work as a substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different. For a similar tang, goat cheese is also a good alternative.