Save to Pinterest A festive, colorful pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, cherry tomatoes, and holiday herbs, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet elegant meal.
This recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because it's both colorful and effortless to prepare.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g whole
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Red onion: 1 small thinly sliced
- Baby spinach: 100 g
- Red bell pepper: 1 small diced
- Lemon zest: from 1 lemon
- Short pasta (penne fusilli or rigatoni): 300 g
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): 2 tbsp torn
Instructions
- Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Prepare dish:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish place the feta cheese block in the center Surround with cherry tomatoes red onion red bell pepper and garlic
- Season:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta Sprinkle with dried oregano thyme red pepper flakes if using salt and black pepper Toss vegetables gently keeping the feta in the center
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft
- Cook pasta:
- Meanwhile cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 100 ml about ⅓ cup of the pasta water then drain
- Add greens and zest:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce
- Season to taste:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy this festive meal together during the holidays.
Tips for Serving
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy feta and tangy tomatoes.
Storage
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or in the oven.
Variations
Add roasted walnuts or pine nuts for extra crunch and texture.
Save to Pinterest This simple one-pan dish brings festive flair and ease to your holiday meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prevent the feta from drying out while baking?
Place the feta block in the center of the vegetables and drizzle olive oil over it to retain moisture as it bakes, ensuring a creamy texture.
- → Can I use other types of pasta for this dish?
Yes, short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well, holding the sauce nicely and blending with the vegetables.
- → What is the best way to add extra color to the dish?
Using tricolor cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper adds vibrant hues and enhances the festive appearance.
- → How do I adjust this dish for a gluten-free diet?
Simply substitute the regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta varieties to keep it safe for gluten intolerances.
- → What herbs complement the baked feta and tomatoes?
Dried oregano and thyme add depth during baking, while fresh basil leaves added at the end offer a bright, aromatic finish.
- → Can I add nuts for more texture?
Yes, roasted walnuts or pine nuts make excellent crunchy toppings that enhance the dish’s flavor and texture.