Baked Feta Pasta

Mediterranean · Dinner · Easy

Baked Feta Pasta

Total
45 min
Prep
10 min
Serves
4
Calories
590
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Blistered tomatoes and a soft block of feta turn into a tangy pasta sauce with almost no stirring. Garlic and basil keep the rich cheese bright.

The oven does most of the sauce work for Baked Feta Pasta: tomatoes collapse around the cheese, releasing enough juice to loosen it when stirred. Tossing the hot pasta directly into the baking dish lets the ridges catch the creamy tomato mixture.

Choose a solid block of feta in brine; dry crumbles resist melting into a smooth sauce. A wide baking dish gives the tomatoes room to roast, while a little reserved pasta water brings everything together.

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Set the feta in the center and turn it in the oil.

  2. Bake for , until the tomatoes have split and the feta is soft with golden edges.

  3. Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the penne for , or the package time, until just tender. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water before draining.

  4. Mash the feta and tomatoes together, then fold in the penne and basil. Add reserved cooking water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta without clumping.

Forkue tips

  • Use feta made with vegetarian rennet if you need a vegetarian meal.

Storing and reheating

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water, stirring until the sauce loosens around the pasta.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

590Calories
19gProtein
72gCarbs
25gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Baked Feta Pasta: FAQ

Why is my feta sauce grainy?

Dry crumbled feta and too little liquid make the sauce grainy. Use a brined block and stir in hot pasta water gradually while mashing the cheese.

Can I use another cheese?

A small log of plain goat cheese works, though it gives a milder, creamier sauce. Start with less pasta water because it softens more readily.

How do I store and reheat Baked Feta Pasta?

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water, stirring until the sauce loosens around the pasta.

How long does Baked Feta Pasta take?

About 45 min in total: 10 min prep and 35 min cooking.

What do I need to make Baked Feta Pasta?

The key ingredients are penne, feta, cherry tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes and basil, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Baked Feta Pasta?

Use feta made with vegetarian rennet if you need a vegetarian meal.