Description
Baked Feta Pasta has become a viral sensation thanks to its creamy, cheesy goodness and deliciously roasted vegetables. This simple yet flavorful dish combines creamy feta cheese with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and pasta for a comforting meal that’s perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. The feta melts into a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every bite of pasta, making it a true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
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2 pints cherry tomatoes
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½ cup sliced red bell pepper
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½ cup sliced red onion
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½ cup olive oil
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4 cloves peeled garlic (or more to taste)
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2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
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1 tablespoon lemon zest
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
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½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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¼ teaspoon sea salt
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1 (8 ounce) package feta cheese
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1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta
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1 cup baby spinach
Instructions
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Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. -
Prepare Vegetables
In the prepared baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion. Add olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, black pepper, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and sea salt. Mix everything together well to ensure the vegetables are coated evenly. -
Add Feta
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, surrounded by the vegetables. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft and golden on top. -
Cook Pasta
While the feta and vegetables are baking, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and mix it with the baby spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt slightly. -
Combine and Serve
Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a spoon to mix the feta and vegetables together to create a creamy sauce. Toss the cooked pasta into the baking dish, ensuring that the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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For added protein: You can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the dish for a heartier meal.
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Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap in other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or even olives.
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Cheese options: You can use goat cheese or ricotta if you prefer a different cheese option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One serving (about 1/4 to 1/6 of the dish)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Baked Feta Pasta, Feta, Pasta, Mediterranean, Roasted Tomatoes, Vegetarian, Easy Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, One-Pan Meal, Dinner