Description
A creamy, tangy, and rich pasta dish made by roasting a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, then smashing them together with pasta. This simple, budget-friendly meal requires minimal prep and no heavy cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) block of feta cheese
- 2 pints (400g) cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 pound (450g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
- 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- Optional: 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and scatter them evenly in the baking dish in a single layer.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil generously over the tomatoes and feta. Sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes are soft, blistered, and bursting, and feta is golden brown.
- While baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to smash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes and juices to create a creamy sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the baking dish (or a large mixing bowl). Pour in reserved pasta water, starting with 1/4 cup, and toss until coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in fresh basil and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not use pre-crumbled feta as it contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting. Save the starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. Smash the feta while it is still hot for the creamiest texture. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water. If too watery, simmer longer or add more cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 580
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
Keywords: baked feta pasta, viral pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, cherry tomato pasta, feta cheese recipe, creamy pasta, gluten-free option, vegetarian dinner