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- 1 block (200g) of feta cheese - 300g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved The base of this dish is simple yet flavorful. Feta cheese is the star, giving a creamy texture. The pasta, whether you choose penne or fusilli, holds the sauce well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and freshness. - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference) - ½ cup extra virgin olive oil Garlic and oregano bring warmth to the dish. The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, while olive oil helps everything blend together. This mix creates a rich flavor profile that elevates the dish. - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Garnishes are key for finishing the dish. Fresh basil adds a bright note. The lemon zest brightens the flavors. A touch of salt and black pepper enhances every bite. For the full recipe, check the link provided. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting the best flavors. In a large baking dish, combine 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Pour in ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything until the tomatoes are well coated. Now, create a well in the center of the mixture. Place 1 block (200g) of feta cheese right in that well. Drizzle a little olive oil over the feta for extra richness. Transfer the baking dish to your oven. Bake for about 30 minutes. You know it’s done when the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden and creamy. While your feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 300g of pasta, like penne or fusilli, according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm but cooked. Drain the pasta, and set it aside. Reserve a small cup of the pasta water for later. Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta cheese and mix it with the roasted tomatoes. Stir until you create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish. Gently toss everything together. If the mixture seems thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Incorporate the zest of 1 lemon for a burst of freshness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To serve, plate the pasta hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely touch and great aroma. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. To make great baked feta pasta, timing is key. Cook your pasta just until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite when you chew it. If you cook it too long, the pasta will get mushy once you mix it with the sauce. Adjusting the sauce's thickness is also important. If your feta-tomato mix seems too thick after baking, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps you get the right creamy texture without losing flavor. Flavor is what makes this dish sing. I suggest adding a bit more seasoning if you want a bolder taste. Try extra oregano or a pinch of garlic powder. Don’t shy away from adding more red pepper flakes if you enjoy heat. Using high-quality ingredients is non-negotiable. Choose a good block of feta cheese that has a rich, creamy texture. Fresh cherry tomatoes give you the best taste and sweetness, making your dish even better. Presentation can elevate your meal. After plating, add fresh basil leaves on top. This not only looks beautiful but adds a fresh aroma. A sprinkle of lemon zest enhances the dish’s visual appeal and adds brightness. Serve it in a big bowl for family-style dining, or plate it individually for a more elegant touch. For more details on how to make this dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make baked feta pasta even better with fresh veggies. Adding spinach or zucchini gives it a colorful look and a nice crunch. These veggies cook well and blend with the creamy feta. You can also choose different cheeses. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist or mozzarella for a milder taste. Each cheese adds its unique flavor, which makes the dish more exciting. Not everyone can eat regular pasta. If you need gluten-free options, look for rice or corn pasta. These work just as well and taste great. Whole wheat pasta is another choice. It adds more fiber and has a nutty taste. Using these options keeps the meal healthy and satisfying. You can change the flavor of your baked feta pasta with herbs and spices. Basil, thyme, or rosemary can give a new aroma and taste. If you like heat, try adding cayenne pepper or more red pepper flakes. For a protein boost, mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This addition makes the dish heartier and more filling. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. After enjoying your baked feta pasta, store any leftovers in a cool place. Place them in air-tight containers. This keeps your pasta fresh longer. If you use regular storage containers, the pasta may dry out. Proper storage helps maintain the flavor and texture. When it's time to eat leftovers, you have options. Use the microwave for quick reheating. Place the pasta in a bowl and cover it to keep moisture in. Stir it halfway through for even heating. If you prefer the stovetop, heat it in a pan. Add a splash of water or olive oil. This helps maintain the creamy texture of the sauce. Freezing is great for long-term storage. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove or microwave for the best results. Baked Feta Pasta stays fresh in the fridge for about three to five days. To keep it tasty, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out. Always let it cool before putting it away. If you want to reheat it, use a microwave or stovetop for best results. Yes, you can easily make Baked Feta Pasta vegetarian. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you want more flavor. You can also add more veggies, like spinach or zucchini, for extra nutrition. Just be sure to check the feta cheese for any animal rennet if you want it to be fully vegetarian. Baked Feta Pasta can be spicy, but that’s up to you! The red pepper flakes add heat. If you like it mild, use less or skip them entirely. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for flavor without the spice. Adjust the amount to fit your taste! Baked Feta Pasta combines feta, pasta, and fresh tomatoes for a tasty dish. You learned how to prepare, bake, and combine the main ingredients. I shared tips for flavor, texture, and presentation. You can also explore variations to make this meal your own. Lastly, I provided storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy your cooking adventure with baked feta pasta!

Baked Feta Pasta

Dive into a delectable Baked Feta Pasta Fiesta that's sure to impress! This simple recipe combines creamy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic to create a mouthwatering dish that's perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 40 minutes, it guarantees satisfaction with every bite. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your pasta nights with a burst of flavor and freshness!
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Ingredients
  

1 block (200g) of feta cheese

300g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to spice preference)

½ cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.

    In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss all the ingredients until the tomatoes are evenly coated in the mixture.

      Create a well in the center of the vegetables and place the block of feta cheese right in the middle. Drizzle a little olive oil over the feta for added richness.

        Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and creamy.

          While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until you reach an al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water if needed for later adjustments.

            Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta cheese and mix it with the roasted tomatoes, stirring until you create a luscious and creamy sauce.

              Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish directly and gently toss everything together, ensuring that the pasta is well coated with the feta-tomato sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to help loosen it up.

                Incorporate the zest of the lemon to introduce a burst of freshness. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

                  To serve, plate the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a wonderful visual appeal and aromatic finish.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4