Pin A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet irresistible meal.
I first served this dish to my family on a busy weeknight and it quickly became a favorite.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g, halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Short pasta: 300 g (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Pitted Kalamata olives: 100 g, halved
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Fresh basil leaves: to serve
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2 Prepare baking dish:
- Place the feta block in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and olives.
- Step 3 Season:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 4 Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Step 5 Cook pasta:
- Meanwhile cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water then drain.
- Step 6 Mash feta and tomatoes:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together mixing well to create a creamy sauce.
- Step 7 Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish tossing to coat. If needed add reserved pasta water a little at a time for a silkier sauce.
- Step 8 Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Pin This recipe always brings smiles to our family dinner table and sparks great conversations.
Notes
Try adding baby spinach or arugula for extra greens. Use a gluten-free pasta if needed. Excellent wine pairing a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.
Required Tools
Baking dish Large pot Colander Mixing spoon or fork Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (feta cheese) Wheat (pasta unless gluten-free variety is used) If using pre-pitted olives check for potential nut contamination Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
Pin 
This baked feta pasta is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best with baked feta and tomatoes?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substituting regular pasta with gluten-free varieties works perfectly without altering the flavor.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce from baked feta?
Baking the feta with tomatoes softens it; mashing them together forms a luscious sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- → What herbs complement the flavors in this dish?
Oregano and fresh basil add aromatic, herbal notes that balance the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes.
- → Can I add greens to this pasta?
Fresh spinach or arugula can be stirred in for added color, texture, and nutrients.