If you’re looking for a simple yet gourmet dish to impress your friends or family, look no further than baked feta pasta. This delightful recipe combines the tangy creaminess of feta cheese with the sweetness of roasted tomatoes and al dente pasta. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds sing. Ready in under an hour, it’s the ideal weeknight meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor or presentation.
Ingredients
– 200g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
– 200g feta cheese
– 400g cherry tomatoes
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving contains approximately: 450 calories, 18g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. This is based on a serving size of one quarter of the total recipe.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the block of feta cheese to the center of the dish.
- Toss everything gently to coat the tomatoes and feta in oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and feta is soft.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, mash them together with a fork.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and mix well.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use goat cheese instead of feta for a different flavor. Additionally, whole grain or gluten-free pasta can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
Serving and Pairings
This baked feta pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad or garlic bread. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the dish beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave. This dish can be frozen, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente.
- Ensure the feta cheese is a block, not crumbled, for best results.
- Don’t skip the olive oil; it enhances flavor and creaminess.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic; add it with the tomatoes.
- Adjust seasoning after baking to suit your taste.
Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality feta for best flavor.
- Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme.
- For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Try adding spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
FAQs
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian as it uses feta cheese and no meat products.
What type of pasta is best for baked feta pasta?
Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni work best as they hold the sauce well.
Can I use frozen tomatoes?
While fresh tomatoes yield the best flavor, frozen tomatoes can be used in a pinch.
How do I know when the feta is done?
The feta should be soft and slightly browned on top, and the tomatoes should be bursting.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
Conclusion
Baked feta pasta is not only a delightful dish but also a quick and easy way to impress anyone at the dinner table. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the simplicity and the deliciousness of this trendy recipe!
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 g pasta penne or rigatoni
- 200 g feta cheese
- 400 g cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the block of feta cheese to the center of the dish.
- Toss everything gently to coat the tomatoes and feta in oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and feta is soft.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, mash them together with a fork.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and mix well.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired creaminess.
