Ingredients
Scale
- 400g (14 oz) of your favorite pasta (penne or spaghetti work great)
- 200g (7 oz) feta cheese block
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (red and yellow for color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves for garnishing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and feta turns golden and soft.
- While baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Remove baked feta and tomatoes from the oven. Mash feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce using a spoon or fork.
- Add cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to combine. Stir in reserved pasta water if needed for sauce consistency. Garnish with fresh basil and herbs.
Notes
- You can substitute feta cheese with halloumi or ricotta for different flavor profiles.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in airtight containers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or pasta water to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake, Boil, Toss
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg