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To make this simple dish, you need: - 200g pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli are excellent options) - 200g block of feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick of heat) - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest of 1 lemon These ingredients work together to create a creamy and tasty dish. The feta cheese melts beautifully, making a rich sauce. The tomatoes add sweetness and color. Garlic gives a nice aroma, while herbs bring out the flavors. If you want to add more depth to your dish, consider these options: - A splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess - Sliced olives for a briny kick - Spinach or arugula for extra greens - Chopped nuts for crunch These ingredients can elevate your Baked Feta Pasta. They add different tastes and textures. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences. To make this dish, you'll need a few basic tools: - A large baking dish for roasting - A pot for cooking pasta - A cutting board and knife for chopping - A fork for mixing Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. These items help you prepare and combine the ingredients smoothly. Enjoy the process and get ready for a delicious meal from the full recipe! Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the feta and tomatoes cook perfectly. In a large baking dish, mix these ingredients: - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Make sure the tomatoes are well coated with the oil and spices. Create a small space in the center of the tomatoes. Place a 200g block of feta cheese there. Gently press it down and drizzle some olive oil on top. Add a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor. Bake this in the oven for about 25 minutes. The tomatoes should blister and the feta should turn golden and soft. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook 200g of pasta. You can use penne or fusilli. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Remember to save 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. After 25 minutes, take the baking dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta and blistered tomatoes together. This forms a creamy sauce. Don't hesitate to break up the feta well. Add the drained pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the mixture is too dry, add some reserved pasta water. Finally, stir in the zest of 1 lemon for brightness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with fresh basil leaves on top for a delicious finish. You can find the Full Recipe above. To get a creamy sauce, use a block of feta cheese. Bake it with the tomatoes and garlic. The heat makes the feta soft and easy to mix. Once you pull it from the oven, mash the feta into the tomatoes with a fork. This creates a rich, smooth sauce. If it's too thick, add some pasta water to loosen it up. You can use penne or fusilli for this dish. Both types hold the sauce well. They let the creamy feta flavor cling to each bite. Cook the pasta until it is just firm. This keeps it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Herbs add extra depth to the dish. I like to use dried oregano, but fresh basil is a must at the end. The basil gives a fresh taste and bright color. You can also try adding a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. This will elevate the flavors in your baked feta pasta even more. For more tips and the full recipe, check the recipe section. {{image_4}} You can easily add veggies to your baked feta pasta. Choose colorful options. Bell peppers, zucchini, and spinach work well. Just chop them up and mix them in with the tomatoes. They will add texture and nutrients. Roasting the veggies brings out their natural flavors, making your dish even better. Want to make your meal heartier? Add protein to your baked feta pasta. Grilled chicken or shrimp are great choices. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. Simply cook the protein separately and mix it in after baking. This will give you a filling meal that satisfies your hunger. If you need a gluten-free dish, swap your pasta. Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or lentils. You can also use spiralized veggies like zucchini or carrots. They add unique flavors and are fun to eat. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as needed. Enjoy a delicious meal that meets your dietary needs. To store your baked feta pasta, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when to eat it. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is easy. You can use the microwave or the oven. If you use the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Heat it for one to two minutes, stirring halfway through. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. Adding a splash of water can help keep it moist. If you want to save baked feta pasta for later, freezing is a great option. Let it cool completely before you freeze it. Transfer the pasta to a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to two months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture nice. You can use any pasta you like. Penne and fusilli work great. These shapes hold sauce well. They also mix nicely with the creamy feta. Short pasta is easier to serve and eat. You can even use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Choose what fits your taste. Yes, you can try other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. Cream cheese makes it extra creamy. Mozzarella gives a nice melt, while ricotta makes it rich. Just remember, each cheese will change the taste. Feta gives a unique salty flavor that's hard to replace. To add heat, use red pepper flakes. A teaspoon adds a nice kick. You can also add sliced fresh chilies or jalapeños. For a smoky touch, try smoked paprika. Adjust the heat based on your taste. Just be careful not to overwhelm the dish. Absolutely! Baked Feta Pasta stores well. It keeps in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure to cool it before storing. Reheat it in the oven or microwave. You might need to add a splash of water for moisture. This dish is perfect for quick lunches or dinners. For the full recipe, check out the method I provided earlier. Baked Feta Pasta is simple and fun to make. We covered the main and optional ingredients that add flavor. You learned step-by-step instructions to bake the dish perfectly. Tips like choosing the right pasta and using herbs can make it better. Explore variations to suit your taste and learn how to store leftovers well. Baked Feta Pasta is great for meal prep, too! Enjoy experimenting with this recipe to make it your own.

Baked Feta Pasta

Discover the ultimate cheesy baked feta pasta recipe that is sure to become a dinner favorite! With just a few simple ingredients like creamy feta, cherry tomatoes, and your choice of pasta, you can create a deliciously rich and flavorful dish in no time. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow and takes only 35 minutes. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this mouthwatering creation!
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Ingredients
  

200g pasta of your choice (penne or fusilli are excellent options)

200g block of feta cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick of heat)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures a perfect baking environment for our dish.

    Prepare the Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring the tomatoes are thoroughly coated in the oil and seasonings.

      Add the Feta: Create a small space in the middle of the tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese there. Gently press it down into the mixture and drizzle a little extra olive oil on top of the feta. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on the cheese to enhance its flavor.

        Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes. You're looking for the tomatoes to become blistered and juicy, and for the feta to soften and turn a lovely golden color.

          Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your selected pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water for later use.

            Combine Ingredients: After 25 minutes, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to stir together the softened feta and blistered tomatoes until they form a creamy sauce. Don't be shy about breaking up the feta to incorporate it nicely with the tomatoes.

              Mix with Pasta: Add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the mixture appears too dry for your liking, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

                Finish with Flavor: Stir in the lemon zest for a refreshing brightness. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper, as needed.

                  Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top for a touch of color and flavor.

                    Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4