Save A festive, creamy pasta dish featuring oven-roasted feta, bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a snowy sprinkle of grated Parmesan, perfect for a holiday table.
This cozy dish brightened our holiday dinners with its rich flavor and effortless preparation.
Ingredients
- Cheese & Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese block, 60 g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) cherry tomatoes, mixed colors preferred, 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional), Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Pantry: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni), 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish. Arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion (if using) around the feta.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a large spoon, gently mash and mix the feta with the tomatoes and garlic until creamy.
- Step 7:
- Add the hot pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, topped with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Save This recipe always brings everyone to the table smiling, reminding me of festive family gatherings full of warmth and laughter.
Required Tools
Oven safe baking dish, large pot, strainer, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta, Parmesan), wheat (pasta). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if required. For gluten free, use certified gluten free pasta.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 510, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 19 g
Save This baked feta pasta is a delightful holiday treat that is sure to become a favorite year round.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a vegan cheese alternative?
Yes, plant-based feta substitutes work well. Skip or use vegan Parmesan alternatives for a fully vegan dish.
- → What pasta types are best for this dish?
Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold sauce nicely and complement the creamy feta mixture.
- → How do I get the sauce creamy without adding cream?
The creamy texture results from mashing warm baked feta with roasted tomatoes and reserved pasta water that ties the sauce together.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh to enjoy the warm melted feta and juicy tomatoes; reheating gently is possible but may alter texture.
- → What herbs suit this pasta dish?
Fresh basil is traditional and adds brightness. Dried oregano complements the oven-roasted flavors well.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use certified gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free, while all other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.