Baked Feta cheese Pasta

Baked Feta Cheese pasta is a sensational recipe that combines tangy baby tomatoes with the rich taste of feta cheese. It became a quick favourite worldwide for its simplicity and Mediterranean flavours.

In early 2021, the recipe became popular on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. We’ve tried the authentic recipe before and decided to give it our twist. For this recipe, we have added more flavour through spices and turned it into an incredible dish that you’ll enjoy making often.

Why It’s So Popular?

A handful of pantry staples and spices create an intensely flavourful dish. It requires minimal effort, with most of the work done in the oven. You can enhance and customize the recipe by adding your preference for spices, herbs, or vegetables.

Ingredients to make Baked Feta cheese pasta.

Feta cheese and cherry tomatoes, Salt and Ground White pepper, Dried Oregano, Paprika Powder, Brown Sugar, Dried Basil, Bowtie pasta, Extra virgin olive oil and Garlic .

Feta cheese is known for its creaminess and slight saltiness. Many people are unaware that it melts beautifully when baked. When roasted, the tomatoes release their natural juices, adding a subtle acidity to the dish. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness. The blend of spices elevates the dish, adding layers of warmth and depth. Salt and white pepper are essential ingredients. Paprika powder adds a smokiness and brown sugar adds sweetness to the tomatoes.

In terms of pasta choice, we’ve chosen bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle. This is the most used choice for Baked feta and cherry tomato pasta. It also captures the taste of the creamy sauce and roasted tomatoes. Other pasta choices include Penne, Fusilli, and macaroni. Garlic provides the pungent flavours of the dish, adding bold flavours and making the dish more fragrant and satisfying.

Instructions

Rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in halves. Rinse the garlic cloves and mince them. Preheat the oven to 200ºC / 400ºF. Gather the spices, such as paprika, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and ground white pepper, into a small bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes to a casserole, drizzle extra virgin olive oil, and add garlic and spices.

Toss gently to coat the cherry tomatoes with the oil and spices. Arrange the cherry tomatoes in a single layer on the casserole. Thereafter, push the tomatoes aside to make room for the feta cheese. Coat the feta cheese with the spices and oil and bake for twenty minutes. 

By this time, while waiting for the feta cheese to bake, bring water to boil and cook the bowtie pasta. Follow the instructions on the pasta packet. When the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

Mash the baked ingredients with a fork. Press all the cherry tomatoes so that all the juicy bits will ooze out. Mash all the feta cheese as well for uniform flavours. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the casserole with baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes. Gently toss to coat the bowtie pasta with delicious flavours. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. 

Spruce it up

Add one of the following proteins, chicken, shrimp, or salami, to the Baked Feta Cheese Pasta for a more satisfying meal. Other cheese options in place of feta are ricotta or goat cheese. Add more veggies such as zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients.

How do you Store Baked Feta Cheese Pasta?

Store in an airtight container for two to three days. Reheat in the microwave or stove. Freeze for two months. Defrost on the countertop and reheat in the microwave.

What to Serve with Baked Feta Cheese Pasta?

Serve with a Simple Green Salad, Kale Salad, Strawberry Salad, Blueberry Salad, Grilled Asparagus, or Roasted Cauliflower. Protein options include Grilled Chicken or lamb Chops.

Baked Feta Cheese Pasta is a simple and convenient meal to have when you are short on time and craving something nutritious, creamy, and healthy at the same time. This dish is perfect for lunches and lazy afternoons with the family.

Expert Tips

Use block feta cheese rather than crumbled feta cheese. Crumbled feta cheese may become dry and possibly burn while baking. Also, choose feta cheese with less salt content.

Season the feta cheese with olive oil and spices before baking to add flavour to the cheese. Choosing the right tomatoes is the key to this dish. The cherry tomatoes have natural sweet flavours, enhancing the dish’s overall flavour.