Description
Creamy baked feta pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil for an easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
7 to 8 ounces feta cheese
2 pints cherry tomatoes
4 garlic cloves, unpeeled
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the feta in the center of a baking dish, then scatter the cherry tomatoes and unpeeled garlic cloves around it.
2. Drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, oregano, and black pepper.
3. Bake for 30 minutes. Raise the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for 5 to 10 more minutes, until the feta is lightly golden and the tomatoes are soft and juicy.
4. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Remove the garlic cloves from the baking dish. Once cool enough to handle, squeeze the softened garlic from the skins back into the dish and discard the skins.
6. Mash the feta, tomatoes, and garlic together with a fork until creamy and saucy.
7. Add the cooked pasta and fresh basil. Toss until the pasta is fully coated, then serve warm.
Notes
Use block feta packed in brine for the creamiest texture.
Reserve a little pasta water if you want a thinner sauce.
Fresh basil added at the end keeps the flavor bright and fresh.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Quick & Easy Dinners
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean