Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

If you are searching for a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and effortless charm, the Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe combines the creamy tang of melted feta cheese with the juicy pop of roasted cherry tomatoes, all brightened by the fresh aroma of basil. It’s a simple yet sophisticated meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any day when you crave something comforting but exciting. Whether you’re whipping up a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this pasta delivers irresistible flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create magic with this recipe. Each component plays a vital role — the tomatoes provide sweetness and juiciness, the feta adds creaminess and tang, and the basil offers a fragrant freshness that lifts the entire dish. Olive oil and Italian seasoning bring everything together with savory, aromatic notes.

• 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best burst of flavor when roasted.
• 1 (8 oz) block of feta cheese: This creamy, salty centerpiece melts beautifully and balances the tomatoes perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A simple blend that infuses the dish with herbal depth.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
• 5 tablespoons olive oil: Use good quality extra virgin for richness and to help roast the ingredients evenly.
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil: Adds a burst of color and fresh, sweet herbaceous notes.
• 12 oz bow tie pasta: The perfect shape to catch every bit of luscious sauce when tossed together.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This moderate temperature allows the tomatoes to slowly roast until perfectly tender while the feta softens without drying out, creating the ideal texture for stirring into pasta later.

Step 2: Arrange the tomatoes

Place the grape tomatoes into a medium-sized baking dish. Spreading them out evenly ensures they roast uniformly and burst open beautifully in the heat, releasing their natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add the feta block

Center your block of feta cheese right amidst the tomatoes. This placement helps the cheese heat evenly, melting into a creamy pool that will mingle with the roasted juices for a rich sauce.

Step 4: Drizzle olive oil

Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil over both the tomatoes and feta. This step contributes to the roasting process, helping the tomatoes caramelize slightly and the feta to soften luxuriously without drying.

Step 5: Season the dish

Sprinkle Italian seasoning and salt evenly over the contents of the dish. These simple seasonings enhance and complement the natural flavors without overpowering them, making every bite balanced and flavorful.

Step 6: Finish with more olive oil

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil specifically over the feta cheese. This extra drizzle helps the feta to achieve that silky texture and adds a pleasant richness that will coat the pasta beautifully.

Step 7: Bake to perfection

Bake in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst and released their juices, and the feta has softened into a creamy, scoopable texture, setting the stage for an irresistible sauce.

Step 8: Mix tomatoes and feta

Once out of the oven, stir together the softened feta and roasted tomatoes in the baking dish. This is the magical moment when the ingredients meld into a luscious, flavorful sauce that will envelop your pasta.

Step 9: Add fresh basil

Stir in the chopped fresh basil. This fresh herb lifts the richness of the feta-tomato mixture and adds a burst of vibrant color to the sauce, making the dish truly inviting.

Step 10: Combine with pasta

Mix in your cooked and drained bow tie pasta until every piece is generously coated with the creamy sauce. The pasta shape helps capture all the flavors in every bite, creating a harmonious, comforting dish.

Step 11: Serve and enjoy

Serve your baked feta pasta hot for the best experience. The combination of warm, melty cheese, sweet roasted tomatoes, fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta is simply irresistible.

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan or a handful of toasted pine nuts over the top. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few fresh basil leaves can add an elegant finish that uplifts the already vibrant appearance.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp mixed green salad or a simple garlic bread brings additional textures and fresh flavors to the meal. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes the perfect accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the baked feta and tomato mixture over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option, or spoon it onto bruschetta slices as an appetizer. You can even turn this into a colorful pasta salad by chilling the mixture and tossing it with fresh veggies for a make-ahead dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow slightly but remain delicious — just give it a gentle reheat to bring back its creamy texture.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the texture of the tomatoes and cheese changes after thawing. For best results, prepare fresh or refrigerate and consume within a few days.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the sauce. Adding a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of pasta water can help restore the creamy consistency and keep the pasta moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While grape or cherry tomatoes are ideal because of their size and sweetness, small roma or heirloom tomatoes can also work well. Just keep in mind the roasting time might vary slightly.

Is it possible to use a different type of cheese?

Feta is key for that distinctive tang and creaminess, but you can experiment with a block of goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different flavor profile. The texture might change, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this dish vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well. Additionally, ensure your pasta is egg-free. The roasted tomatoes and seasonings will keep it flavorful.

What pasta shapes work best with this recipe?

Bow tie pasta is traditional, but penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti can be great alternatives. The key is to use a pasta that holds onto the sauce well, so the flavors coat each bite.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu cubes make delicious additions that boost the meal’s heartiness without overshadowing the main baked feta pasta flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe that makes you feel like you’re indulging in a cozy, flavorful celebration at home. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet full of layers of taste and texture that impress every time. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try — once you do, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe that brings joy to your table and smiles to your guests.

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