Description
This easy Baked Feta Pasta recipe combines creamy plant-based feta and fresh cherry tomatoes baked together to create a luscious, flavorful sauce. Tossed with sturdy pasta and finished with fresh basil, this one-pan dish offers a perfect balance of comfort and freshness, ready in about 30 minutes. Versatile and simple, it is ideal for busy weeknights or any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g plant-based feta cheese (block)
- 300g fresh cherry tomatoes
- 3 whole garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons natural olive oil
- 250g penne or fusilli pasta (or gluten-free pasta)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Fresh basil leaves (a handful)
Optional Variations
- Roasted zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers (for vegetable boost)
- Cooked chicken, baked tofu, or shrimp (for protein twist)
- Fresh oregano or thyme (herb variation)
- Extra red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for spicy touch)
- Combination of plant-based cream cheese or plant-based parmesan (for cheese swap)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, place the block of plant-based feta in the center. Scatter the fresh cherry tomatoes around the cheese. Add whole garlic cloves to the dish. Drizzle natural olive oil evenly over the feta, tomatoes, and garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake the Feta and Tomatoes: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting, and the feta has softened to a creamy texture. This step enhances the flavors and blends the cheese with the tomato juices.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, which will help adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Combine Everything: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta, roasted tomatoes, and garlic together until a velvety sauce forms. Stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (natural) to brighten the flavors. Immediately add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat well. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce until it evenly coats the pasta.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Tear fresh basil leaves over the pasta, gently stir to distribute, and serve immediately while warm and comforting.
Notes
- Use high-quality natural olive oil for richer flavor and a silky sauce texture.
- Do not overbake the feta; aim for soft but not fully melted for best creaminess.
- Reserve pasta water to help bind and loosen the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of apple cider vinegar carefully to keep the sauce bright without overpowering it.
- Serve the dish immediately for optimal warmth and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked feta pasta, plant-based feta, one-pan pasta, gluten-free pasta, creamy pasta recipe, easy dinner
