I’m sure you’ve come across the BAKED FETA PASTA. After seeing it repeatedly on social media, I decided to try this viral recipe myself. Gathering all the necessary ingredients, I set out to make it. Let me tell you, the famous baked Feta pasta did not disappoint! It’s creamy and packed with flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This BAKED FETA PASTA comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of roasted tomatoes and creamy feta creates a rich, delicious sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or pasta types to suit your taste preferences.
- Perfect for Sharing: With generous servings, it’s great for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is required since everything bakes together in one dish.
Tools and Preparation
To create this delightful BAKED FETA PASTA, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Medium-sized baking dish
- Mixing spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Medium-sized baking dish: This is crucial for holding all the ingredients while they roast evenly in the oven.
- Mixing spoon: A sturdy mixing spoon helps combine everything thoroughly once the feta and tomatoes are baked.
Ingredients
For the Pasta Dish
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 1-8 oz brick of Feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
How to Make BAKED FETA PASTA
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your BAKED FETA PASTA cooks evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Add the grape tomatoes to a medium-sized baking dish. Spread them out evenly for optimal roasting.
Step 3: Add the Feta Cheese
Place the Feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. This allows it to soak up all those delicious flavors as it bakes.
Step 4: Season It Up
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese. Then sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt over everything.
Step 5: Drizzle More Olive Oil
Add another drizzle of 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta. This will help create a creamy sauce as it bakes.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Bake in the oven for about 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the cheese softens beautifully.
Step 7: Stir It All Together
Remove from oven. Stir the melted cheese and tomatoes until well combined. Add in the chopped fresh basil for an aromatic touch.
Step 8: Combine with Pasta
Mix in your cooked bow tie pasta. Stir until everything is well combined and serve hot for a delightful meal!
Enjoy your BAKED FETA PASTA that’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
How to Serve BAKED FETA PASTA
BAKED FETA PASTA is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
With Fresh Salad
- A crisp green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the creamy pasta.
Crusty Bread
- Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the luscious feta and tomato sauce.
Grilled Vegetables
- Add grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus on the side to bring extra flavor and nutrition to your meal.
Garlic Bread
- Pair with buttery garlic bread for an indulgent treat that complements the pasta perfectly.
Wine Pairing
- Enjoy with a glass of white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, which enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing touch.
Garnish Options
- Top with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick and visual appeal.
How to Perfect BAKED FETA PASTA
To elevate your BAKED FETA PASTA experience, consider these helpful tips.
Choose high-quality feta: Using good quality feta cheese will significantly enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Don’t skip the oil: Olive oil not only helps in roasting but also adds rich flavor. Be generous with it!
Experiment with herbs: While Italian seasoning is great, feel free to mix in fresh oregano or thyme for added depth.
Add protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp along with the pasta.
Adjust seasoning: Taste before serving; you may want to adjust salt or add freshly cracked pepper according to your preference.
Garnish creatively: Fresh herbs like parsley or arugula can add color and freshness when garnished on top just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for BAKED FETA PASTA
To complement your BAKED FETA PASTA, consider serving these delicious side dishes. They add variety and satisfaction to your meal.
Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad made from fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is refreshing and light.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and roasted until crispy, they bring an earthy flavor that balances well with pasta.
Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous mixed with olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs makes for a flavorful grain side.
Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables creates a vibrant appetizer option.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients while keeping it simple and healthy.
Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and spices make an eye-catching addition to your table.
Zucchini Noodles: These low-carb noodles tossed in olive oil are a great way to offer an alternative pasta option without losing flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Sautéed green beans coated in garlic butter and parmesan cheese provide crunch and richness alongside your main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making BAKED FETA PASTA is simple, but there are a few common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature feta and tomatoes for even cooking and blending of flavors.
- Overbaking: Keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dry tomatoes and cheese. Aim for 30-35 minutes.
- Neglecting seasoning: Don’t skip the Italian seasoning and salt! They enhance the flavors significantly. Adjust according to your taste.
- Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds a delightful flavor! Always add it just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Not stirring enough: After baking, make sure to mix the tomatoes and feta thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure the pasta is fully cooled before sealing.
Freezing BAKED FETA PASTA
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- It’s best to freeze without basil; add fresh herbs when reheating.
Reheating BAKED FETA PASTA
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or water if necessary to loosen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about BAKED FETA PASTA:
How do I make BAKED FETA PASTA spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix before baking for an extra kick.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While feta is traditional, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for different flavors.
Is BAKED FETA PASTA vegetarian?
Absolutely! This dish is entirely vegetarian, making it perfect for meat-free meals.
What pasta shape works best?
Bow tie pasta is great, but you can also use penne or fusilli. Choose your favorite shape!
Final Thoughts
BAKED FETA PASTA is not only creamy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a new favorite!
BAKED FETA PASTA
Baked Feta Pasta is a delightful blend of creamy feta cheese and juicy roasted tomatoes, creating a rich sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. This easy-to-make dish has taken social media by storm for good reason—it’s not only quick to prepare, but it also delivers an explosion of flavors that will satisfy your cravings whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy gathering with friends. Simply bake the ingredients together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Try this comforting recipe today and impress your family with a delicious homemade meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium-sized baking dish, add grape tomatoes evenly.
- Place the feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle Italian seasoning and salt over everything.
- Add another drizzle of 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes burst and cheese softens.
- Stir the melted cheese and tomatoes together, then mix in chopped fresh basil.
- Combine with cooked bow tie pasta until well mixed, then serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
