Baked Feta Pasta

$- 250g pasta (penne or fusilli) - 200g block of feta cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon Baked feta pasta is a simple dish made with few key ingredients. The pasta makes it filling, while the feta adds a creamy texture. You can use penne or fusilli; both work well. For the best flavor, use fresh cherry tomatoes. They burst in the oven, giving the sauce a bright taste. The Kalamata olives add a salty punch. Garlic gives the dish depth, while extra virgin olive oil binds everything. Season with oregano and red pepper flakes for some heat. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish, and lemon zest brightens the dish. You can find the full recipe in the article, which guides you through cooking this delightful meal. Each ingredient plays a role, so don’t skip any. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step is key for a perfect bake. 2. In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and minced garlic. Mix them well to spread the flavors evenly. 1. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato mixture. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything to coat well. 2. Nestle the block of feta cheese right in the middle of the mixture. Drizzle more olive oil over the feta and sprinkle the lemon zest for a bright flavor. 1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should blister and the feta will get soft and golden. 2. While that bakes, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. 3. Carefully remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together. This creates a creamy sauce. 4. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the feta-tomato sauce. 5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. 6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is not only simple but also bursts with flavor. Enjoy every bite! For the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions, check out the Full Recipe. To get the perfect feta texture, start with a good block of feta. Look for a firm, creamy type that holds its shape when baked. When it melts, it should become soft but not runny. The best pasta types for this recipe are penne or fusilli. They hold sauce well and give each bite great flavor. Other shapes, like rotini or farfalle, work too, but choose one that can grip the sauce. To boost the flavor, try adding spices like Italian seasoning or garlic powder. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also add depth. You can even toss in some capers for a briny kick. Adjusting seasoning is key; taste your dish before serving. If it needs more salt or pepper, don’t be afraid to add it. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten the whole dish. For a creative serving idea, dish the pasta into individual bowls. This makes it feel special and elegant. Top each bowl with extra basil leaves for color and freshness. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top for a shiny finish. You can also serve the pasta directly from the baking dish for a rustic look. Just make sure to have a nice serving spoon ready! {{image_4}} You can easily add protein to your baked feta pasta. Grilled chicken or shrimp works well. Just cook them separately and mix them in at the end. This adds flavor and makes the meal heartier. For a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or lentils. They blend nicely with the sauce and boost nutrition. Think about adding vegetables for extra color and flavor. Spinach and zucchini are great choices. You can also use bell peppers or broccoli for crunch. Seasonal options like asparagus in spring or butternut squash in fall can keep things fresh and exciting. Mix and match based on what you love or have on hand. If you want to switch up the cheese, try goat cheese or ricotta. These add a different taste and texture. For those who need dairy-free options, nut-based cheeses work wonderfully. Look for brands that melt well. Always check labels to ensure they fit your diet. Each cheese brings its own unique twist to this dish. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on baked feta pasta. To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, store leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep the flavors and texture intact. Let the pasta cool down before sealing the container. It’s best to use the leftovers within three days for optimal taste. Yes, you can freeze baked feta pasta! However, the texture may change. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to consume it within two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat your baked feta pasta safely in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through to maintain even warmth. If using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir between intervals to keep the texture creamy. Enjoy your meal again without losing its delicious taste! Baked feta pasta is a simple dish that combines baked feta cheese with pasta. It became popular on social media in 2020. The dish comes from Finland and quickly gained fans worldwide. The creamy feta and juicy tomatoes create a flavorful sauce. You mix everything together, and it becomes a comforting meal. Yes, you can prepare Baked Feta Pasta ahead of time. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the pasta and sauce separate until you're ready to bake. This way, the pasta won't get mushy. When you want to eat, bake it as directed. Baked feta pasta pairs well with many side dishes. A fresh green salad balances the rich flavors. Garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the sauce. For wine, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works nicely. Baked feta pasta is great for meal prep. You can make a big batch and divide it into portions. Store it in airtight containers for easy lunches. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when you're ready to eat. The spice level depends on how many red pepper flakes you use. A teaspoon adds mild heat. You can always add more if you like it spicy. If you want to avoid heat, leave them out. Baked feta pasta is simple and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, steps, and tips to help you create this tasty dish. You can mix it up with proteins or veggies, and even choose different cheeses to fit your needs. Remember, storage is easy too, so leftovers won’t go to waste. Enjoy the fresh flavors and get creative with your unique twist. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that shines on any table. Happy cooking!$

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Savory Baked Feta Pasta Delight! This easy recipe combines baked feta cheese, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful olives, creating a mouthwatering dish in just 40 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, you'll love how simple ingredients transform into a gourmet meal. Click through for step-by-step instructions and elevate your pasta game today!

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Ingredients

250g pasta (penne or fusilli are excellent choices)

200g block of feta cheese

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it is hot enough for baking.

In a spacious baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and minced garlic.

Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and sprinkle with dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if you wish for a spicy kick). Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the vegetable mixture. Drizzle a little additional olive oil over the feta and sprinkle the lemon zest on top for a refreshing tang.

Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should become blistered and juicy, while the feta will turn golden and soft.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven. With a fork, gently mash the feta and tomatoes together to form a creamy, delicious sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything thoroughly to ensure the pasta is generously coated in the feta-tomato sauce.

Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional sea salt and black pepper if necessary.

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves to add a burst of flavor and color.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant touch, serve the pasta in individual bowls and scatter extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving.