Baked Feta Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes

Name: Baked Feta Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 200g pasta (your choice); 200g feta cheese; 300g cherry tomatoes; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Highlighted under: Effortless Eats

I absolutely love making Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes! It’s such a simple yet delicious dish that bursts with flavor. The combination of creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a delightful meal that's perfect for any occasion. I enjoy preparing this dish when I have friends over or simply when I want to treat myself. You won't believe how easy it is to make this crowd-pleaser in just a few steps. It’s a true favorite in my kitchen.

Created by

Tabitha Green

Last updated on 2026-02-08T06:05:36.437Z

When I first tried Baked Feta Pasta, I was amazed at how creamy and rich it turned out despite being so simple to prepare. The key is roasting the feta and tomatoes together to allow their flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite heavenly. I always ensure to use fresh cherry tomatoes for that sweet burst of flavor.

Another tip I learned is to reserve some pasta water before draining; its starchy consistency helps in creating a luscious sauce. I love experimenting with different herbs too, as they elevate the dish even more. This recipe has become a staple for cozy dinners at home.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Creamy feta that blends perfectly with the pasta
Bursting flavor from roasted cherry tomatoes
Quick and effortless to prepare for any weeknight meal

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of the Baked Feta Pasta is undoubtedly the feta cheese. When baked, feta transforms into a creamy, spreadable delight that amplifies the dish's richness. Opt for high-quality feta; it should be fresh and crumbly, and if possible, choose sheep's milk feta for its distinctive tang and creaminess. This adds incredible depth to the dish as it melds with the pasta.

Cherry tomatoes are equally important as they become sweet and flavorful after roasting. Look for bright, plump tomatoes with a rich color. You can substitute other types of tomatoes, like grape or heirloom, but ensure they're well-seasoned with salt and oil to extract their natural sweetness during baking.

Achieving Perfect Texture

Cooking the pasta until al dente is crucial. If overcooked, the pasta may become mushy and lose its ability to hold onto the creamy feta sauce. Aim to cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than instructed on the package. This allows it to finish cooking when combined with the feta and tomatoes, absorbing their flavors.

When combining the baked feta and tomatoes with the pasta, be mindful of texture. Adding reserved pasta water can help achieve a glossy, cohesive sauce. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess—this step will avoid the risk of making the dish too soupy.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Baked Feta Pasta:

Ingredients

200g pasta (your choice)
200g feta cheese
300g cherry tomatoes
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Make sure to have everything ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious Baked Feta Pasta:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Combine Ingredients

In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and place the feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

Bake

Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft.

Cook the Pasta

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Combine Everything

Remove the baked feta and tomatoes from the oven. Mash them together with a fork, then mix in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm!

Enjoy your homemade Baked Feta Pasta!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Baked Feta Pasta can be prepared ahead of time, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. You can pre-roast the feta and cherry tomatoes, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply cook the pasta and combine it with the pre-prepped ingredients. This method keeps the flavors vibrant and fresh without compromising on quality.

For leftovers, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to bring back the creamy texture of the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.

Possible Variations

Feel free to customize this dish by adding vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can complement the flavors beautifully. Sauté these vegetables in olive oil before adding them to the dish for an extra layer of flavor. Not only will this increase nutrition, but it also adds appealing color and texture to the dish.

For a protein boost, consider adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Simply toss them in after mixing the feta and tomatoes with the pasta. This addition transforms the dish into a more filling meal and is an excellent way to adapt the recipe to fit your dietary preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of cheese?

Yes, while feta adds a unique flavor, you can try goat cheese or ricotta cheese for a different taste.

→ How can I store leftover Baked Feta Pasta?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses feta cheese and fresh vegetables.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta shape works well; however, I recommend using fusilli or penne as they hold the sauce nicely.