Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *baked feta pasta cherry tomatoes recipe*! It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good inside, you know? With its vibrant colors and delicious flavors, it’s like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even a cozy dinner with friends. I remember the first time I made this—my whole family went wild for it! The combination of creamy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta is just heavenly. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but a delight for your taste buds, and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this baked feta pasta cherry tomatoes recipe a true standout. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g pasta of choice: I love using penne or fusilli for their ability to catch all that delicious sauce, but feel free to use your favorite type!
- 200g feta cheese: Go for a block of feta, not crumbled. It bakes beautifully and turns creamy when heated.
- 300g cherry tomatoes: These little gems add sweetness and burst with flavor as they roast. Choose vibrant, plump ones for the best results!
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the dish with its aromatic goodness.
- 60ml olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavors—don’t skimp on this!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Fresh basil for garnish: This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor right before serving.
How to Prepare Baked Feta Pasta Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Preheating and Preparing the Dish
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This is crucial because we want those cherry tomatoes to roast beautifully and the feta to become perfectly creamy. While the oven warms up, grab a baking dish—something medium-sized will do just fine. Now, toss in the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly. The smell of the garlic and tomatoes together is just divine!
Baking the Feta and Cherry Tomatoes
Next, place your block of feta right in the center of the dish, surrounded by those lovely tomatoes. Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes start to burst and the feta softens into a luscious, creamy texture. This step is key for developing all those rich flavors, so don’t rush it!
Cooking the Pasta
While that’s baking, it’s time to cook your pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta, cooking it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, but check the package for specifics. Once it’s done, drain it well, but don’t rinse! We want that starch to help the sauce stick later.
Combining Ingredients
When the feta and tomatoes are perfectly baked, remove the dish from the oven and mix the feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Now, add your drained pasta directly into the mix and toss everything together until the pasta is nicely coated. This is where the magic happens! The heat from the pasta will help meld all those flavors together into a silky, comforting sauce. Garnish with fresh basil, and you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dish!
Tips for Success
To really nail this baked feta pasta cherry tomatoes recipe, ingredient quality is key! Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes—trust me, it makes all the difference. If you can, opt for a block of feta cheese from your local cheese shop; the flavor is richer than the pre-crumbled stuff. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the baking time; every oven is different, so check the tomatoes around the 25-minute mark. They should be bursting and the feta should be golden and creamy. And here’s a little serving tip: I love serving this dish with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Enjoy every last bite!
Variations of Baked Feta Pasta Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
One of the best things about this baked feta pasta cherry tomatoes recipe is how adaptable it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the feta for goat cheese for a tangy twist that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes. Or, try adding some sautéed spinach or kale for an extra dose of greens; they’ll wilt down perfectly and add a lovely texture. For those who love a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes before baking. And don’t hesitate to experiment with different pasta shapes—farfalle or orecchiette work great too! You can even throw in some roasted bell peppers or zucchini for a colorful veggie medley. Each variation opens up new flavor profiles, making this dish feel fresh and exciting every time you make it!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your baked feta pasta cherry tomatoes recipe, consider pairing it with a refreshing side salad. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a lovely peppery contrast to the creamy pasta. You could also serve it alongside some crusty garlic bread; it’s perfect for scooping up those delicious, saucy leftovers! For a Mediterranean twist, a side of roasted vegetables, like zucchini and bell peppers, complements the dish beautifully. And don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of extra fresh basil or some grated Parmesan on top just before serving for that final touch of flavor and elegance!
Nutritional Information
When diving into this baked feta pasta cherry tomatoes recipe, you might be wondering about its nutritional content. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. Enjoy this dish as a part of a balanced diet!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta is traditional, you can experiment with goat cheese or even a creamy ricotta for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
What should I do if my tomatoes don’t burst while baking?
If your tomatoes aren’t bursting, they might need a bit more time in the oven. Keep an eye on them; they should start to soften and burst around the 30-minute mark. Every oven is a bit different, so sometimes a few extra minutes can make all the difference!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the feta and tomato mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just bake it fresh and cook your pasta. This way, the flavors have more time to meld, making it even tastier!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to keep it from drying out. It’s still delicious the next day!
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in some spinach, zucchini, or even bell peppers before baking. They’ll roast beautifully alongside the tomatoes and add extra nutrients and flavors to your dish.
For more information on the health benefits of tomatoes, check out this Healthline article. You can also learn more about the benefits of olive oil from this NCBI study.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Cherry Tomatoes Recipe: 5 Steps to Happiness
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful baked feta pasta recipe featuring cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 200g pasta of choice
- 200g feta cheese
- 300g cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 60ml olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the feta cheese in the center of the dish, surrounded by the tomato mixture.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once baked, mix the feta and tomatoes together to create a sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes.
- You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a different taste.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked feta pasta, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, Mediterranean pasta
