Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese; 2 pints cherry tomatoes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 10 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or farfalle); 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

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If there’s a single dish that’s taken both kitchens and the internet by storm, it’s the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes! Imagine sweet, burst cherry tomatoes mingling with creamy, tangy feta—all tied together with olive oil, garlic, and perfectly cooked pasta. This Mediterranean-inspired meal is not just stunning to serve, but it’s also one of those magical recipes that demands minimal prep for maximum flavor. Plus, every bite brings a celebration of vibrant colors and irresistible aromas straight to your dinner table.

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple pantry staples for this show-stopper—each ingredient plays an essential role, creating a depth of flavor and texture that’s genuinely special. Sometimes, less really is more when it comes to delicious cooking!

Feta Cheese Block (8 oz): Opt for a whole block of feta for the creamiest, dreamiest sauce; crumbled feta won’t melt as luxuriously.
Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints): These little jewels bring juicy bursts of sweetness and brighten the whole dish.
Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): High-quality olive oil coaxes both the tomatoes and feta to their flavorful best.
Garlic Cloves, Minced (3): Adds a robust layer of warmth and fragrance that you’ll notice right away.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Just a little delivers subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season everything perfectly and bring all the flavors together.
Pasta (10 oz, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle): Choose your favorite shape—short pastas work best to catch all the creamy sauce.
Fresh Basil (1/4 cup, chopped): The final sprinkle adds freshness, fragrance, and gorgeous color.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is the sweet spot for roasting cherry tomatoes until they’re juicy and for transforming the feta into a golden, spreadable delight. Preheating ensures everything cooks evenly and at just the right pace.

Step 2: Assemble the Baking Dish

In a medium baking dish, arrange your cherry tomatoes, then nestle the block of feta cheese right in the center. Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle over the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and finish with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Gently toss the tomatoes so they’re all glistening and ready to caramelize beautifully.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are bursting and juicy, and the feta is soft with a golden-brown top. The aroma at this stage is absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta of choice in generously salted water according to the package directions. Reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining—it helps bring the sauce together later.

Step 5: Mash and Stir

Remove the baking dish from the oven. With a large spoon, smash and mix the softened feta and jammy tomatoes together until a creamy, rosy sauce forms. Add your hot, drained pasta directly into the dish, along with a splash of reserved pasta water if needed, and stir until everything is gloriously silky and well coated.

Step 6: Finish with Basil and Serve

Sprinkle over the chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. Give everything a final toss and serve immediately. There you have it—the sensational Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes that everyone will want seconds of!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes

Garnishes

Nothing beats the flavor and aroma of freshly chopped basil on top of a creamy pasta dish. For an extra touch, you can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts to provide a little crunch. These simple additions take your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes to a restaurant-worthy level.

Side Dishes

Pair this pasta with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or crusty bread to soak up all the luscious sauce. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roast vegetables or a platter of marinated olives and artichokes—the Mediterranean flavors complement the dish perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, plate the pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl and finish with a generous shower of fresh herbs. At a dinner party, serve it in individual ramekins topped with a few extra roasted cherry tomatoes or microgreens for a pop of color. This dish is also fabulous as a chilled pasta salad the next day—just add a bit more olive oil before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes should be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. The flavors actually meld and intensify after a night in the fridge, making tomorrow’s lunch absolutely crave-worthy. Aim to enjoy your leftovers within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

While you technically can freeze this dish, the texture of the feta sauce may change a bit once thawed. If you decide to freeze leftovers, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best flavor and a creamier texture, try to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again. The microwave works in a pinch too, but stovetop reheating will preserve the best texture and flavor of your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

You can, but a block of feta will melt down much more smoothly, giving you that iconic creamy sauce. Crumbled feta may not get quite as luscious, so go with the block version if you can find it!

What types of pasta work best for this recipe?

Short pastas with lots of nooks—like penne, rotini, or farfalle—are ideal since they catch and hold all that delicious creamy sauce. However, you can use whatever you have on hand, and even gluten-free or whole wheat pasta will work beautifully.

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s only as spicy as you want it to be! The red pepper flakes add a gentle, optional kick. Feel free to dial it back or skip it entirely if you’d rather keep things mild, or add a bit more if you love some heat.

What can I add for extra flavor?

There are so many ways to make this dish your own! Try adding a handful of baby spinach, kalamata olives, or sun-dried tomatoes in the last 10 minutes of baking. A zest of lemon over the finished dish is also lovely.

Can I make this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes ahead of time?

You can prep most of the ingredients ahead—mince the garlic, wash the tomatoes, and cube the feta if you like. However, it’s best baked and tossed with pasta just before serving for the creamiest result. Leftovers do still taste amazing the next day!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes is more than just a viral sensation—it’s comfort food made easy, colorful, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight treat or sharing with loved ones, this dish is guaranteed to win hearts. Give it a try and get ready for smiles all around your table!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe with Cherry Tomatoes is a viral sensation for a reason – it’s incredibly simple to make and bursting with flavor. Creamy feta cheese melds with roasted cherry tomatoes to create a luscious sauce that coats every strand of pasta. A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a touch of freshness to this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Feta Pasta:

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 pints cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta:

10 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or farfalle)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the baking dish: In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Toss the tomatoes lightly to coat.
Bake: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and golden on top.
Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Combine: Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the feta and tomatoes together until creamy. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir until well combined.
Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.