Easy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

A Pasta Dish That Took the Internet by Storm

Have you ever wanted to make a dish that feels fancy but is super easy? Baked feta pasta is the answer! This creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed pasta became famous online, and for good reason—it’s absolutely delicious and requires very little effort.

All you need is a block of feta cheese, some cherry tomatoes, and a few other simple ingredients. The oven does most of the work, melting the feta into a creamy sauce while the tomatoes burst with juicy goodness. Once you mix everything together with pasta, you get a restaurant-quality meal with almost no effort.

I love making this recipe when I want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even when you’re hosting friends. Plus, you can customize it however you like—add more veggies, spice it up, or even make it gluten-free!

If you haven’t tried baked feta pasta yet, this is your sign to do it. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love It

• Super Easy – Toss everything into a baking dish, let the oven do its magic, and mix!
• Incredibly Creamy – The baked feta melts into a dreamy, tangy sauce.
• Full of Flavor – Roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs make every bite delicious.
• Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own.
• Perfect for Any Occasion – A cozy meal for yourself or an impressive dish for guests!

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Ingredients

For the Baked Feta Sauce

• 1 block feta cheese
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or spaghetti work great)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water (to help create a creamy sauce)

Add-Ins (Optional, but Recommended!)

• 1 handful fresh spinach or basil (for extra greens)
• ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (for more depth of flavor)
• ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or zucchini (if you love extra veggies)
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesiness)

This ingredient list keeps things simple, but feel free to experiment!

Kitchen Tools Needed

You don’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe—just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Baking dish – A 9×13-inch dish or similar size works best.
• Large pot – For cooking the pasta.
• Colander – To drain the pasta.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For mixing everything together.
• Knife and cutting board – For mincing garlic and chopping any extra veggies.

That’s it! With these simple tools, you’re ready to create the creamiest, most flavorful baked feta pasta.

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Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep and Bake the Feta

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together.
3. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden and soft.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but tender).
3. Before draining, save ½ cup of pasta water—this will help create a smooth sauce.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

1. Remove the baked feta and tomatoes from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash everything together, creating a creamy sauce.
2. Add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish. If the sauce seems too thick, mix in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Stir in any optional add-ins like fresh basil, spinach, or sautéed veggies.
4. Serve warm and enjoy!

More Recipes >>>>>>> Easy Baked Ziti Recipe

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use good-quality feta – A Greek block of feta (not crumbled) melts the best and has the richest flavor.
• Don’t skip the pasta water – A splash of reserved water makes the sauce extra silky.
• Try different pasta shapes – Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce well, but spaghetti works too!
• Add a protein – Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make this dish more filling.
• Make it gluten-free – Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for the same delicious results.
• Roast longer for extra flavor – If you have time, let the tomatoes and feta bake for an extra 5-10 minutes to get even more caramelized goodness.

This baked feta pasta is easy, creamy, and totally irresistible. Give it a try and let me know how you make it your own!

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy substitutions and creative variations:

Cheese Alternatives

• Goat cheese – Slightly tangy and creamy, it melts well like feta.
• Ricotta or cream cheese – For a milder, creamier sauce.
• Boursin cheese – Adds garlic and herb flavors for an extra kick.

Tomato Swaps

• Diced canned tomatoes – If fresh cherry tomatoes aren’t available. Drain them first.
• Roasted red peppers – For a smoky twist.

Pasta Variations

• Whole wheat pasta – For a fiber-rich option.
• Gluten-free pasta – Works just as well! Choose a sturdy variety like chickpea or brown rice pasta.
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) – A low-carb alternative.

Add Extra Flavor

• Olives or capers – Adds a salty, briny taste.
• Chili flakes or hot honey – For a bit of heat.
• Fresh herbs – Basil, parsley, or thyme for a burst of freshness.

Make It Protein-Packed

• Grilled chicken or shrimp – Mix in for a heartier meal.
• White beans or chickpeas – A great vegetarian protein option.

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Serving Suggestions

This baked feta pasta is already packed with flavor, but pairing it with the right sides makes it even better:

• Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Simple green salad – A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add even more goodness.
• A glass of wine – A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully.

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store

• Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze – While possible, the texture of feta can change when frozen. If needed, freeze for up to 2 months, but expect a slightly grainy texture when reheated.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop (Best Method) – Heat leftovers in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave – Reheat in short bursts (30-40 seconds), stirring in between to avoid drying out.
• Oven – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

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FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake the feta and tomatoes ahead, store them in the fridge, and mix them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Try using a dairy-free feta alternative or a creamy cashew-based cheese.

What if I don’t have feta cheese?

Goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese work as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Of course! Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie works best for holding the sauce, but spaghetti and linguine also work well.

Is this recipe spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or hot honey if you like some heat!

Can I add meat?

Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon would all be delicious additions.

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This baked feta pasta is creamy, flavorful, and so easy to customize. Try it out, experiment with your favorite add-ins, and enjoy a meal that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Let me know how you make yours!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!