Save to Pinterest A festive, creamy pasta dish featuring oven-roasted feta, bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a snowy sprinkle of grated Parmesan, perfect for a holiday table.
I first served this dish during the holidays and it was an instant favorite with family and friends.
Ingredients
- Cheese & Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese block, 60 g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) cherry tomatoes, mixed colors preferred, 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional), Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Pantry: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni), 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Prepare baking dish:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish Arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion (if using) around the feta
- Season:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges
- Cook pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta
- Mash feta mixture:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven Using a large spoon, gently mash and mix the feta with the tomatoes and garlic until creamy
- Combine:
- Add the hot pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together around the table during festive celebrations.
Notes
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or festive sparkling water for the perfect meal.
Required Tools
Oven-safe baking dish, Large pot, Strainer, Mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta, Parmesan), wheat (pasta). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if required. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta.
Save to Pinterest This baked feta pasta is a simple yet impressive dish sure to brighten any holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I prepare this dish without an oven?
The baking step is essential to soften the feta and burst the tomatoes, but a stovetop method can be adapted by simmering ingredients gently to achieve a similar effect.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Use plant-based feta and omit Parmesan or substitute it with a vegan alternative to keep the creamy texture and flavor.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta cooking water?
Yes, adding reserved pasta water helps create a silky sauce by loosening the baked cheese and tomato mixture for better coating.
- → What garnishes complement this dish?
Fresh basil leaves enhance the flavor and add a pop of color, while a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan provides a savory finish.