Envision this: the aroma of roasted tomatoes and melted feta wafting through your kitchen, perfectly capturing the essence of Mediterranean comfort.
This Feta and Tomato Pasta isn’t only a breeze to make but also a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any day.
As the cheese and tomatoes bake together, they transform into a luscious sauce that coats each strand of pasta.
Let’s bring this dish to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 baking dish
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 colander
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 200 grams block feta cheese
- 400 grams cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 300 grams pasta of choice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time when preparing the Feta and Tomato Pasta, follow this timeline:
1. Reading Time: Spend about 5 minutes reading through the entire recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Time (10 minutes):
- Minute 0-2: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Minute 2-5: Mince the garlic and set it aside. Prepare the baking dish by placing the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes.
- Minute 5-8: Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, and sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Minute 8-10: Set up the large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil for the pasta.
3. Cook Time (30 minutes):
- Minute 10-15: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Minute 15-25: Keep an eye on the feta and tomatoes as they bake.
- Minute 25-30: Start cooking the pasta. Let the feta and tomatoes continue baking until the cheese is golden brown and the tomatoes burst.
4. Final Steps:
- Minute 30-35: Drain the cooked pasta using a colander.
- Minute 35-40: Remove the baking dish from the oven, stir the feta and tomato mixture, and combine with the cooked pasta.
- Minute 40-45: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
5. Serving:
– Minute 45-50: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish.
Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes.
Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden brown.
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions.
Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven and give the mixture a good stir with a wooden spoon.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and mix until well combined.
Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a warm, crusty loaf to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the pasta.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add some grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus for a healthy and colorful side.
- Olives and Antipasti: A small platter of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted red peppers adds Mediterranean flair.
- Red Wine: Pair with a glass of medium-bodied red wine to enhance the savory notes of the dish.
Storage
To store leftover Feta and Tomato Pasta, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Freezing
To freeze Feta and Tomato Pasta, first allow it to cool completely.
Transfer to an airtight container.
Label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Feta and Tomato Pasta, use a skillet over medium heat.
Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent drying.
Stir gently until warmed through.
This will help preserve the dish’s creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
The Feta and Tomato Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.
With minimal ingredients and a straightforward preparation process, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
The combination of creamy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs creates a delightful harmony of flavors.
Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices to suit your taste preferences.
Enjoy your meal and savor the deliciousness of this easy-to-make pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Feta?
You can definitely swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier texture. Goat cheese offers a tangy punch, while ricotta adds mildness. Adjust seasoning to taste, ensuring it complements the cheese’s unique flavor profile.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan-Friendly?
To make it vegan-friendly, replace feta with a vegan cheese block. Use nutritional yeast for depth and creaminess. Opt for egg-free pasta. Drizzle extra olive oil for richness. Adjust seasoning to enhance the overall flavor profile.
What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
Opt for short pasta like penne or fusilli; they trap sauce better. Their ridges hold the flavors of roasted tomatoes and cheese beautifully. Stirring evenly coats each piece, ensuring every bite bursts with savory Mediterranean goodness.
Can I Add Protein to the Dish, Like Chicken or Shrimp?
Sure, you can add protein like chicken or shrimp. Sauté them separately with garlic and olive oil, ensuring they’re cooked through. Fold them into the dish before serving to enhance the savory Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy!
How Do I Prevent the Feta From Becoming Too Salty?
Rinse the feta block under cold water to remove excess brine before baking. Use low-sodium feta or balance saltiness with lemon juice or fresh herbs. Adding cream or yogurt can also mellow the feta’s saltiness.
Feta and Tomato Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 colander
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 200 grams block feta cheese
- 400 grams cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 300 grams pasta of choice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish.
- Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden brown.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven and give the mixture a good stir with a wooden spoon.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and mix until well combined.
- Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
