Pin A festive, creamy pasta dish featuring oven-roasted feta, bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a snowy sprinkle of grated Parmesan, perfect for a holiday table.
This cozy chicken stew always reminds me of family dinners during the holidays.
Ingredients
- Cheese & Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese block, 60 g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) cherry tomatoes, mixed colors preferred, 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional), Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Pantry: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni), 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish. Arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion (if using) around the feta.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a large spoon, gently mash and mix the feta with the tomatoes and garlic until creamy.
- Step 7:
- Add the hot pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, topped with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Pin Our whole family gathers around the table to enjoy this pasta every holiday season.
Notes
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or festive sparkling water.
Tools Needed
Oven-safe baking dish, Large pot, Strainer, Mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta, Parmesan), wheat (pasta). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if required. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta.
Pin Enjoy this festive pasta as a warm and comforting addition to your holiday table.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute feta and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives and omit the dairy cheeses.
- → How long should I bake the feta and tomatoes?
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of this dish?
Dried oregano and fresh basil add aromatic depth and a fragrant finish.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this pasta?
Yes, baby spinach or roasted red peppers can be added for color and extra flavor.
