Pin it A festive, colorful pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, cherry tomatoes, and holiday herbs, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet elegant meal.
I first served this during the holidays and was amazed at how simple it was to prepare yet so impressive on the table.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 200 g feta cheese block
- Vegetables: 500 g cherry tomatoes, whole, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 100 g baby spinach, 1 small red bell pepper, diced, Zest of 1 lemon
- Pasta: 300 g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center. Surround with cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss vegetables gently, keeping the feta in the center.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100 ml (about ⅓ cup) of the pasta water, then drain.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Step 7:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Step 8:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Pin it This dish has become a holiday favorite for my family, a joyous centerpiece that brings everyone to the table.
Required Tools
Ovenproof baking dish, large pot for pasta, colander, mixing spoon.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pasta). For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta. Always check cheese and pasta labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 460, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 58 g, Protein: 17 g (per serving)
Pin it This one-pan baked feta pasta is both simple to prepare and delightful to eat making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and complement the baked feta’s creaminess.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta for a safe option.
- → What herbs enhance the flavors here?
Dried oregano and thyme add earthiness, while fresh basil provides a bright, aromatic finish.
- → How do I achieve the creamy sauce texture?
The baked feta melts after cooking, and stirring it with reserved pasta water creates a smooth, creamy coating for the pasta.
- → Are any additional toppings recommended?
Add roasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch, or garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for freshness.