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To make this dish, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 200g pasta (penne or fusilli works best) - 200g block of feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) These ingredients come together to create a creamy, savory dish. The feta cheese melts into a smooth sauce, while the tomatoes burst with flavor. You can customize this recipe in many ways. Here are some fun ideas: - Add olives for a briny touch. - Toss in spinach for some greens. - Use sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor. - Swap feta for goat cheese for a tangy twist. These variations let you explore different flavor profiles and keep each meal exciting. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Here are some tips: - Look for firm, unbruised tomatoes. They should feel heavy for their size. - Choose feta cheese that is creamy and not overly crumbly. - For garlic, pick bulbs that are firm and free from soft spots. - When selecting olive oil, opt for a high-quality extra virgin variety. Using fresh ingredients will elevate your baked feta pasta, making every bite delightful. First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets the oven ready for cooking. Next, take a large baking dish and place a block of feta cheese in the center. Surround the feta with two cups of halved cherry tomatoes and four minced garlic cloves. This mix adds great flavor. Drizzle a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil over everything. Then, add one teaspoon of dried oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper to season. This mix will make the dish tasty. Put the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the feta cheese to soften and the tomatoes to burst. This step creates a delicious sauce. The cheese should look creamy and inviting. Keep an eye on it so nothing burns. While the feta and tomatoes bake, start boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 200 grams of pasta, like penne or fusilli. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. When the feta and tomatoes are ready, take the baking dish out. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. Finally, toss the drained pasta into the dish. Mix until the pasta is well coated in that yummy sauce. Serve hot, with fresh basil on top for a nice finish. If you like, add some grated Parmesan cheese too. For the full recipe, check the details above. To make the best baked feta pasta, focus on your feta cheese. Choose a block of high-quality feta. It should be creamy and not too crumbly. This will help it melt well. Ensure to use fresh cherry tomatoes. They should be ripe and sweet for the best flavor. When you bake them, they will burst and create a rich sauce. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. Always preheat to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking. Also, do not skip the salt. It enhances the flavors of the dish. Avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the hot feta and tomatoes. Lastly, don’t forget to mix well after baking. This helps combine all the flavors. You can boost the flavor of your baked feta pasta with extra seasonings. Try adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. A squeeze of lemon juice adds brightness. You can also mix in olives for a savory touch. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Adjust the seasonings to your taste. Each of these choices makes the dish unique. For the full recipe, check out the details above. {{image_4}} You can make baked feta pasta even better with some veggie twists. Add spinach for extra greens. Zucchini or bell peppers can also work great. Just chop them up and toss them in before baking. They will cook down and add nice flavors. Want more protein? You can add cooked chicken or shrimp. Just sauté them in a pan first. Mix them in when you add the pasta. This gives you a heartier meal. You could also try cooked sausage for a different taste. If you need a gluten-free dish, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. You could also use zucchini noodles as a fun swap. They cook quickly and add health benefits. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on what you use. For a complete guide on how to make this dish, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure the lid fits snugly to prevent air from getting in. This will help keep the flavors intact. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Just use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it's hot. You can freeze baked feta pasta for later. After it cools, place it in a freezer-safe container. Use a container that seals tightly to avoid freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat as described above. Enjoy the deliciousness anytime! For the full recipe, check the instructions above. Yes, you can. While feta gives a unique flavor, you can try goat cheese or cream cheese. These cheeses melt well, just like feta. Goat cheese has a tangy taste, and cream cheese is rich and creamy. You might need to adjust the seasonings a bit to match the cheese you choose. Penne and fusilli are my top picks. They hold the sauce well and give great texture. You can also use spaghetti or rigatoni if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the pasta until it's al dente. This keeps it firm and tasty when mixed with the sauce. Look for the feta to soften and become creamy. It should change from a firm block to a smooth texture. The tomatoes will burst and sizzle, filling the dish with flavor. After about 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C), check if it looks bubbly and golden. That’s your cue to take it out! You learned the key ingredients for baked feta pasta. We covered how to prepare them and bake the dish. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and how to enhance flavors. There are options for different diets, too. Storing and reheating leftovers can keep your meal fresh. Remember, you can always swap ingredients to fit your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventures and share your pasta with friends. Simple, fun, and full of flavor, this dish is sure to please anyone.

Baked Feta Pasta

Discover the ultimate Baked Feta Pasta Delight that will take your dinner to the next level! This easy and delicious recipe combines creamy baked feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and roasted garlic for a flavor explosion. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, you can whip this up in just 40 minutes. Ready to impress your family or guests? Click through for the full recipe and bring this mouthwatering dish to your table today!
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Ingredients
  

200g pasta (penne or fusilli works best)

200g block of feta cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to roast the ingredients perfectly.

    In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes and the minced garlic, evenly distributing them around the cheese.

      Generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the feta and the cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a good pinch of salt and black pepper over the top to season.

        Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the feta to become soft and creamy while the tomatoes burst and caramelize slightly.

          While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. When done, drain the pasta and set aside.

            Once the feta and tomatoes are finished roasting, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta into the tomatoes, blending them into a deliciously creamy sauce.

              Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the feta-tomato mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fragrance. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 40 mins | Serves 4