Baked Feta Pasta has taken the culinary world by storm, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it a favorite in many households. The dish features a creamy feta cheese centerpiece, surrounded by vibrant, roasted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and fragrant herbs, all tossed with pasta to create a satisfying meal that is as simple to prepare as it is delicious.
Why We Love This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Baked Feta Pasta recipe has won its way into the hearts of home cooks everywhere. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can whip up a hearty dish that bursts with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. The combination of roasted vegetables and feta cheese melds beautifully as it bakes, creating a rich, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. Adding leafy spinach not only contributes a nutritional boost but also adds a pop of color. Plus, this dish is customizable based on what you have on hand, making it a versatile addition to your recipe rotation.
Ingredients about Baked Feta Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Baked Feta Pasta dish:
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 0.5 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 0.5 cup sliced red onion
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves peeled garlic, or more to taste
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 (8 ounce) package cheese, feta
- 1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta
- 1 cup baby spinach
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Directions
Creating this delightful Baked Feta Pasta is straightforward and rewarding. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). In a large 13×9-inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, olive oil, peeled garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and lemon zest. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, freshly ground black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and sea salt. Gently mix the ingredients to ensure even coating.
Next, make a well in the center of the mixture to place the block of feta cheese. Flip the feta in the olive oil, ensuring it is well coated. This step is crucial as it allows the edges to soak up the flavors from the surrounding vegetables while baking. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes begin to blister and split, releasing their juices.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook it according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente, which should take around 11 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about 1 cup of the cooking water for later use.
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the feta-tomato mixture from the oven. Using a heavy spoon, mash together the roasted garlic, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers with the feta cheese, creating a creamy sauce. Stir in the baby spinach, which will wilt from the heat of the pasta and sauce. Add the cooked penne to the dish and mix everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve immediately, and enjoy every delightful bite!
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
Serving Baked Feta Pasta is as easy as it is enjoyable. To present this dish beautifully, you can ladle generous portions onto each plate or serve it family-style in a large bowl. For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs on top, such as basil or parsley. If you want an additional zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the served pasta can enhance the flavors even more.
Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar to complete the meal. The crispness of the salad contrasts nicely with the creaminess of the pasta. You may also want to serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce on your plate. Altogether, this dish promises a delightful dining experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Expert Tips: Baked Feta Pasta
When preparing Baked Feta Pasta, keeping a few expert tips in mind can elevate your dish significantly. First, don’t hesitate to experiment with other vegetables. You could try incorporating zucchini, asparagus, or even mushrooms, depending on what you enjoy or have on hand. The roasting process enhances the flavors of these vegetables beautifully.
Consider using a higher quality feta cheese if possible; it can make a noticeable difference in the creaminess of your final dish. Crumbling the feta cheese can also be an option if you prefer a more spread-out flavor throughout your pasta. Just be sure that it still maintains some integrity while baking.
Lastly, if you like it spicy, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you want a milder version, consider reducing it. Remember that seasoning is key to creating a flavorful dish, so feel free to adjust the salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
How to Store Baked Feta Pasta
Storing your Baked Feta Pasta properly helps maintain its delicious flavors and texture for later enjoyment. If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before storing. Transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It should last about 3 to 4 days when stored correctly.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. If the pasta seems a bit dry after reheating, adding a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil can help bring it back to life. Be cautious not to overheat, as you want to preserve the original creaminess of the dish.
Variation of Baked Feta Pasta
One of the great things about Baked Feta Pasta is its versatility. There are plenty of creative ways to modify this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider replacing the penne pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options.
For a vegetarian twist, feel free to add in some roasted chickpeas or your favorite legumes for added protein. Alternatively, if you want to make it heartier, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the mix. For those who like a tangy flavor, try incorporating olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean flair.
Incorporating fresh herbs such as basil or arugula just before serving can bring an aromatic freshness to the dish, while different cheese alternatives can cater to varying taste expectations. Don’t hesitate to let your creativity shine and make this recipe your own!
FAQ
What is Baked Feta Pasta?
Baked Feta Pasta is a delicious dish that combines roasted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and feta cheese with pasta. It creates a creamy, flavorful sauce that perfectly coats the pasta, making for a satisfying meal.
How long does it take to make Baked Feta Pasta?
The overall cooking time for Baked Feta Pasta is about an hour. This includes around 45 minutes for roasting the vegetables and feta, plus an additional 15 minutes for cooking the pasta.
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne pasta is the classic choice, you can substitute other types of pasta. Options like fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free varieties work well too.
Can I make Baked Feta Pasta ahead of time?
You can prepare the vegetable mixture and bake the feta in advance, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What can I add to Baked Feta Pasta for extra flavor?
Adding in ingredients like olives, capers, or different herbs can enhance the flavor profile of your Baked Feta Pasta. You can also acquire different tastes using various vegetables based on your preference.
Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients
Vegetables and Seasoning
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes Fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes work best.
- 0.5 cup sliced red bell pepper
- 0.5 cup sliced red onion
- 0.5 cup olive oil Extra virgin olive oil is recommended.
- 4 cloves peeled garlic Adjust amount based on taste.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Juice from about 1 lemon.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust according to spice preference.
- 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon sea salt Adjust based on taste.
Main Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) feta cheese Use high-quality feta for best results.
- 1 package (12 ounces) penne pasta Can substitute with other pasta types.
- 1 cup baby spinach Can use other leafy greens like arugula.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large 13×9-inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced red bell pepper, sliced red onion, olive oil, peeled garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and sea salt, mixing gently to combine.
- Make a well in the center and place the block of feta cheese, flipping it in the olive oil to coat.
Cooking
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes until the tomatoes blister and split.
- While baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente, about 11 minutes.
- Reserve a cup of cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash together the roasted garlic, tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers with the feta cheese to create a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the baby spinach until it wilts, then add the cooked penne pasta.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Serving
- Serve immediately, transferring to plates or a large bowl. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
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