Pin it A festive, creamy pasta dish featuring oven-roasted feta, bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a snowy sprinkle of grated Parmesan, perfect for a holiday table.
This cozy chicken stew is a family favorite that warms the heart and satisfies the soul.
Ingredients
- Cheese & Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese block, 60 g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) cherry tomatoes, mixed colors preferred, 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional), Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Pantry: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni), 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish. Arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion (if using) around the feta.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a large spoon, gently mash and mix the feta with the tomatoes and garlic until creamy.
- Step 7:
- Add the hot pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, topped with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Pin it This recipe brings back fond memories of festive dinners and joyful gatherings with loved ones around the table.
Required Tools
Oven-safe baking dish, Large pot, Strainer, Mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta, Parmesan), wheat (pasta). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if required. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 510, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 19 g per serving.
Pin it This creamy baked feta pasta is sure to be a showstopper at your next holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best to hold the creamy sauce.
- → How do I achieve the creamy texture of the sauce?
Once baked, mash the softened feta and roasted tomatoes together to create a silky sauce that coats the pasta.
- → Can this dish be made vegan?
Use plant-based feta and omit Parmesan or substitute it with a vegan alternative to create a dairy-free version.
- → What herbs complement this dish?
Fresh basil is used for garnish, while dried oregano adds flavor during baking.
- → Is it important to reserve pasta water?
Yes, gradually adding reserved pasta water melts the sauce into a smooth, creamy consistency.