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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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  • Author: Ivy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe combines roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese baked to perfection, then tossed with pasta and fresh herbs for a deliciously simple and comforting meal. Its rich, tangy sauce is naturally made by roasting tomatoes with feta, enhanced with garlic and oregano, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that's both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Cheese and Vegetables

  • 2 Pints cherry tomatoes
  • 1 Block feta cheese (8 ounces)
  • 8 basil leaves (fresh)
  • 1/4 Cup parsley (fresh)

Seasonings and Oils

  • 1/2 Cup olive oil (extra-virgin)
  • 1 Teaspoon oregano (dried)
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 Teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 2 Teaspoon garlic (minced)
  • 1 Teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, or to taste)

Pasta

  • 8 Ounces pasta (uncooked weight)

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C), setting the stage for roasting the tomatoes and feta to develop their flavors.
  2. Add Tomatoes: Place the cherry tomatoes in a casserole or baking dish, creating a base for the cheesy sauce.
  3. Sprinkle Cheese and Spices: Add the block of feta cheese right in the middle of the tomatoes. Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper evenly over the cheese.
  4. Pour Olive Oil: Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil over both the tomatoes and feta, then gently toss the tomatoes to coat them well without disturbing the cheese block.
  5. Bake: Bake the assembly in the preheated oven for 40 minutes until the tomatoes burst and feta softens and browns slightly.
  6. Cook Pasta: While the baking is underway, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of pasta water for later use.
  7. Mash Mixture: Remove the baked dish from the oven. Using a spoon or fork, mash the softened feta and roasted tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the minced garlic evenly throughout the mixture.
  8. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add two tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and achieve a smooth coating.
  9. Add Herbs and Pasta: Sprinkle the fresh basil and parsley over the sauce, then add the drained pasta to the casserole dish.
  10. Combine and Serve: Stir everything thoroughly to coat the pasta with the sauce evenly. Optionally, sprinkle with red pepper flakes according to taste and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Make sure to save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as it helps blend the flavors and loosen the sauce.
  • Fresh herbs like basil and parsley add brightness; you can substitute or add other herbs like thyme or oregano if preferred.
  • This dish is best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated and gently reheated within 2 days.
  • Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for better flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice spicy kick if you like heat.
  • Pair this pasta with a green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://ivysrecipes.com/baked-feta-pasta-recipe-2/