Imagine the aroma of roasted tomatoes mingling with creamy, golden feta cheese wafting through your kitchen.
This Tomato Feta Pasta is a simple yet indulgent delight, perfect for cozy dinners.
With minimal prep and a bit of oven magic, the humble ingredients transform into a rich, flavorful dish as the tomatoes burst and melt into a luscious sauce.
Let’s bring this Mediterranean classic to life in your own kitchen!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 baking dish
- 1 pot
- 1 colander
- 1 spatula
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 300 grams cherry tomatoes
- 200 grams feta cheese block
- 250 grams pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Tomato Feta Pasta, here’s a suggested timeline:
- 5 minutes – Reading and Gathering Ingredients:
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps.
- Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed.
- 5 minutes – Prepping Ingredients:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Mince the garlic and set aside.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes and pat them dry.
- Gather all the seasonings: dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- 10 minutes – Assembling the Baking Dish:
- In a baking dish, arrange the cherry tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese in the center.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and feta.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over everything.
- 25-30 minutes – Baking and Cooking Pasta:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden.
- While the dish is baking, fill a pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
- 5 minutes – Mixing and Resting:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Use a spatula to mix the baked feta and tomatoes until creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir until well-coated with the sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 2 minutes – Garnishing and Serving:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve the dish immediately.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and block of feta cheese in the center.
Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and feta.
Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden.
Meanwhile, boil water in a pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
Remove the feta and tomato dish from the oven and use a spatula to mix everything until creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Pair the pasta with a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Green Salad: Serve with a light, fresh green salad for a revitalizing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add a serving of grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
- Marinated Olives: Offer a small bowl of marinated olives for a salty, tangy accompaniment.
- Roasted Chicken: Include roasted chicken for a protein boost, turning the meal into a more substantial feast.
Storage
Store leftover Tomato Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezing
To freeze Tomato Feta Pasta, allow it to cool completely.
Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Tomato Feta Pasta, place it in an oven-safe dish.
Cover with foil, and warm at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.
Stir occasionally for even reheating.
Final Thoughts
Tomato Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine.
The creamy feta and burst cherry tomatoes create a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta.
It’s simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a quick yet satisfying meal.
You can personalize the dish by adjusting the spice level or experimenting with different herbs.
Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience.
Enjoy the vibrant and savory taste of this easy-to-make pasta dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Vegan Feta Cheese for This Recipe?
Yes, you can substitute vegan feta cheese in this recipe. Make sure it’s firm for best texture. Adjust seasoning as needed, since vegan varieties may differ in saltiness. Incorporate similar cooking techniques to achieve a creamy consistency. Enjoy!
What Pasta Type Works Best With This Dish?
Opt for short pasta like penne or fusilli. Their ridged surfaces and tubular shapes effectively capture the sauce, ensuring even distribution. Cook until al dente for best texture, enhancing the dish’s overall mouthfeel and flavor absorption.
Is It Possible to Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
You’re wondering about a gluten-free option. Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free varieties like rice or corn-based pasta. Make certain the pasta is al dente to maintain texture. Verify all ingredients comply with gluten-free standards for best results.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Tomato Feta Pasta?
You can incorporate vegetables easily. Add 150 grams of diced bell peppers or zucchini to the baking dish before cooking. Guarantee uniform slicing for even heat distribution. Adjust seasoning to taste. This enhances both flavor and texture.
How Can I Make This Dish Lower in Sodium?
Reduce sodium by using reduced-sodium feta and omitting added salt. Opt for fresh herbs like basil instead of dried, and incorporate a splash of lemon juice for flavor enhancement. Taste before serving, adjusting seasonings as needed.
Tomato Feta Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 pot
- 1 colander
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
Ingredients
- 300 grams cherry tomatoes
- 200 grams feta cheese block
- 250 grams pasta of choice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and block of feta cheese in the center.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and feta.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over the dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden.
- Meanwhile, boil water in a pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and set it aside.
- Remove the feta and tomato dish from the oven and use a spatula to mix everything until creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
