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- 200g of your favorite pasta (fusilli or penne) - 200g block of creamy feta cheese - 500g ripe cherry tomatoes, washed and halved - 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick) - Fresh basil leaves, for an aromatic garnish - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste For this baked feta tomato pasta, the main ingredients are simple yet impactful. You can use fusilli or penne pasta. Fusilli twirls the sauce perfectly, while penne gives a delightful bite. The creamy feta cheese is the star here. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor. Ripe cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and brightness to the dish. The garlic adds depth. It complements the tomatoes and feta. For seasoning, you need good olive oil. The oil helps in roasting the tomatoes and feta. Dried oregano adds a classic Italian touch. If you like heat, chili flakes give a warm kick. Finally, fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish. They add a fresh aroma. Don’t forget sea salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. This mix of ingredients creates a dish that is simple, flavorful, and satisfying. - First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the dish cook evenly. - In a large, oven-safe baking dish, spread 500g of halved cherry tomatoes evenly across the bottom. - Place a 200g block of creamy feta cheese right in the center of the tomatoes. - Drizzle 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil over both the tomatoes and feta. This adds rich flavor. - Next, sprinkle 3 cloves of finely minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and chili flakes to taste. - Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The spices enhance the taste. - With a spoon, gently mix the tomatoes, oil, and seasonings around the feta. This helps combine the flavors. - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Roast for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should blister, and the feta should turn golden. - While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Cook 200g of pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and keep warm. - After baking, use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the burst tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. - Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. - Serve the dish warm. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and added flavor. Enjoy your meal! To avoid overcooking, watch the time closely. You want the tomatoes to blister but not turn too mushy. Aim for 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F. This gives the feta a golden color and rich flavor. Check on it halfway through to ensure it’s not cooking too fast. Balancing flavors is key. The feta adds creaminess, while the tomatoes bring sweetness. Use enough olive oil to keep things moist. Don’t skip the salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors. You can easily adapt this dish for dietary needs. For a vegan option, swap the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Low-carb fans can use zucchini noodles instead of pasta. Feel free to add extra veggies to boost nutrition. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. For more protein, try adding cooked chicken or chickpeas. Just toss them in before baking for a complete meal. To kick up the flavor, add spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika. A splash of balsamic vinegar can add depth and brightness. Try fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh burst. Experimenting with cheese can also change the game. Goat cheese adds a tangy twist, while ricotta gives a creamy texture. Each variation can lead to a new favorite! {{image_4}} You can swap feta cheese for other types. Goat cheese works well for a tangy flavor. Ricotta is a creamy choice that adds richness. Both options melt nicely and blend with tomatoes. Experiment with these cheeses to find your favorite twist. For a heartier meal, add proteins. Chicken or shrimp can elevate this dish. Simply bake them with the feta and tomatoes. For plant-based options, try chickpeas or tofu. These options give you more protein without losing flavor. Seasonal vegetables can change the dish's vibe. In summer, use zucchini or bell peppers. In fall, consider adding spinach or kale. This makes your meal fresh and aligned with the season. Adjust your recipe to use what’s available for a tasty twist year-round. To keep your Baked Feta Tomato Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place any leftovers in the fridge right after serving. This helps prevent the growth of bacteria. The best practice is to cool the pasta to room temperature first. Then, seal it up tight. You can freeze this dish too! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. The pasta will keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you can use either a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it warm evenly. On the stovetop, use a non-stick pan. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help keep it moist. Heat over medium-low and stir gently. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. In the fridge, your Baked Feta Tomato Pasta will last about 3-4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it smells off or looks discolored, it’s best to toss it. Look for mold or a sour smell. These are clear signs that your dish is no longer safe to eat. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! Yes, you can use many pasta types. Fusilli and penne are best. They catch sauce well. Other good choices are bowtie, rotini, or spaghetti. Experiment with what you have! This recipe works great for meal prep. Cook it ahead and store it in the fridge. Make sure to cool it down first. Use airtight containers for best results. It stays tasty for up to three days. Just reheat when you're ready to eat! Consider simple sides like a fresh salad. A green salad with lemon dressing works well. Garlic bread is another tasty option. You can also serve it with roasted veggies. These sides add more flavor and nutrition. Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta instead of regular types. Many brands offer good options like brown rice or chickpea pasta. They taste great and keep the dish delicious. To amp up the flavor, add herbs like thyme or parsley. Fresh basil is a must for a nice touch. You can also sprinkle in more chili flakes for heat. Parmesan cheese can add a rich taste too. Mix and match to find your favorite combo! In this article, we explored the key ingredients for a delicious Baked Feta Tomato Pasta. We covered how to prepare and bake the dish, plus tips for customizing flavors. You can use different cheeses or add proteins to make it your own. Store leftovers properly, so they stay fresh. This recipe is easy to adapt and great for any meal. Enjoy trying new variations to keep it exciting!

Baked Feta Tomato Pasta

Indulge in the deliciousness of Baked Feta Tomato Pasta Delight! This easy recipe combines creamy feta, ripe cherry tomatoes, and flavorful seasonings for a mouthwatering dish you won't forget. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s simple to make and ready in just 40 minutes. Follow our step-by-step guide to create this flavorful meal that is sure to impress. Click through to explore the recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

200g of your favorite pasta (fusilli or penne recommended for optimal sauce adherence)

200g block of creamy feta cheese

500g ripe cherry tomatoes, washed and halved

3 cloves of garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Fresh basil leaves, for an aromatic garnish

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.

    In a large, oven-safe baking dish, spread the halved cherry tomatoes evenly across the bottom.

      Nestle the block of feta cheese right in the center of the tomatoes, allowing its creamy goodness to meld with the juices from the tomatoes.

        Generously drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over both the tomatoes and feta. Follow this with an even sprinkle of minced garlic, dried oregano, chili flakes (if you enjoy a bit of heat), sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.

          With a spoon, gently mix the tomatoes, oil, and seasonings around the feta to ensure all flavors begin to mingle.

            Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta has developed a lovely golden hue on top.

              While your feta and tomatoes are baking to perfection, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to keep it warm.

                Once the feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, use a fork to mash the beautifully baked feta and mix it with the burst tomatoes to create a luscious, creamy sauce.

                  Add the al dente pasta into the baking dish and toss everything together gently, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the creamy tomato and feta mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

                    Serve the dish warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

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