Pin A festive, colorful pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, cherry tomatoes, and holiday herbs, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet elegant meal.
This is one of my go-to recipes during the holidays because it's simple yet impressive and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g, whole
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced
- Baby spinach: 100 g
- Red bell pepper: 1 small, diced
- Lemon zest: of 1 lemon
- Short pasta: 300 g (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): 2 tbsp, torn
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange ingredients:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center. Surround with cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
- Season:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss vegetables gently, keeping the feta in the center.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Cook pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100 ml (about ⅓ cup) of the pasta water, then drain.
- Add spinach and lemon zest:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Pin This dish always brings the family together around the table for a warm holiday meal.
Notes
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this dish gluten-free.
Required Tools
Ovenproof baking dish, large pot for pasta, colander, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pasta). For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta. Always check cheese and pasta labels for hidden allergens.
Pin This baked feta pasta is the perfect blend of simplicity and festive flavors to brighten any winter meal.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and are ideal for this dish.
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Feta's crumbly texture and tangy flavor are key, but a soft cheese like goat cheese could be a substitute, though it may alter the taste.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking after mixing?
Using reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly, preventing sticking.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → What herbs complement the flavors best?
Dried oregano and thyme added before baking, plus fresh basil as garnish, enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While best served fresh, the components can be prepped in advance; bake and mix just before serving for optimal texture.
