Imagine the vibrant aroma of roasted cherry tomatoes bursting with sweet juiciness, mingling with the creamy, golden allure of baked feta cheese.
This Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta is a breeze to whip up, offering a comforting embrace with every bite.
Watch as the simple ingredients transform into a luscious, savory sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly.
Let’s bring this delightful dish to life and savor the magic of Italian flavors in your kitchen.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 ovenproof baking dish
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 200 grams feta cheese
- 500 grams cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 60 milliliters olive oil
- 400 grams pasta of choice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta, follow this timeline:
- Reading and Preparation (5 minutes):
- Spend 5 minutes reading through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the ovenproof baking dish.
- Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes.
- Mince the garlic and sprinkle it over the dish along with dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes.
- Baking (25-30 minutes):
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden.
- Cooking Pasta (10 minutes overlap with baking time):
- While the dish is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (approximately 8-10 minutes).
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
- Final Preparation (5 minutes overlap with resting time):
- Remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Lightly crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon and mix them with the feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until well coated.
- Resting Time (5 minutes):
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serving (Garnish and Serve):
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Note: Adjust the timeline if you find yourself needing a bit more or less time for certain tasks.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of an ovenproof baking dish.
Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes.
Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and lightly crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
Mix the feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until well coated.
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving Tips
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Green Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a rejuvenating and crisp contrast.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add a side of grilled vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Wine Pairing: Enjoy with a chilled glass of white wine for a classic Italian experience.
- Roasted Chicken: Complement the pasta with roasted chicken for a protein-rich meal.
Storage
Store leftover Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to restore creaminess.
Freezing
To freeze Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta, cool completely.
Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat.
Add a splash of water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts
Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta is a delightful and simple dish that combines the tangy flavors of feta cheese with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes.
This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
The creamy sauce, made by mixing the baked feta and tomatoes, coats the pasta beautifully.
With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
Remember to serve it with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
Enjoy this Italian-inspired meal that brings a burst of flavor to your table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Feta Cheese With Another Type of Cheese?
You can swap feta with creamy goat cheese for a tangy twist or use mozzarella for a milder flavor. Each cheese alters the dish’s texture and taste, so pick based on your desired creamy, melty consistency.
What Is the Best Type of Pasta to Use for This Recipe?
You’ll want to use a pasta that captures the creamy sauce beautifully. Opt for fusilli or rotini; their spirals cling to the rich, luscious mixture, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor. It’s a textural delight!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegan-Friendly?
Swap the feta with a vegan cheese alternative for a creamy texture. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Drizzle olive oil over ripe tomatoes, letting them burst, releasing vibrant aromas. Toss with al dente pasta. Enjoy!
Is It Possible to Add Protein to This Pasta Dish?
You can elevate this dish’s protein by incorporating grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas. These additions infuse texture and flavor while maintaining a delectable harmony with the creamy sauce and aromatic ingredients.
How Can I Enhance the Flavor of the Sauce Further?
To elevate your sauce’s flavor, roast garlic cloves for a sweet, nutty depth. Toss in caramelized onions for richness, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a warm, earthy touch. Finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta
Equipment
- 1 ovenproof baking dish
- 1 Large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 200 grams feta cheese
- 500 grams cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 60 milliliters olive oil
- 400 grams pasta of choice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of an ovenproof baking dish.
- Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and lightly crush the tomatoes with a wooden spoon.
- Mix the feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until well coated.
- Let the dish sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
