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Baked Feta Pasta – Simple, Creamy & Oven-Baked Goodness

This Baked Feta Pasta became a viral sensation for a reason — it’s incredibly easy, bursting with flavor, and requires minimal effort. The magic happens in the oven, where sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese roast together to create a luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta. With fresh basil, garlic, and a hint of lemon zest, this dish tastes like something straight out of a Mediterranean kitchen — ready in under 40 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🧄 Fruits & Vegetables:
  • ¼ cup fresh basil packed
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Zest of ½ lemon
  • 1 tsp oregano
🍝 Pasta & Grains:
  • 8 oz orecchiette pasta
🌿 Spices & Seasonings:
  • Salt and pepper to taste
🫒 Oils & Vinegars:
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
🧀 Dairy Products:
  • 1 8 oz block feta cheese
💧 Liquids:
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water

Equipment

  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane or zester

Method
 

Step 1 – Preheat & Prepare
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
Step 2 – Add the Feta
  1. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, surrounded by tomatoes.
  2. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil.
Step 3 – Bake
  1. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta softens.
Step 4 – Cook the Pasta
  1. While baking, cook orecchiette in salted boiling water until al dente.
  2. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Step 5 – Make the Sauce
  1. Remove baking dish from oven.
  2. Mash tomatoes and feta together until creamy.
  3. Stir in lemon zest and fresh basil.
Step 6 – Combine & Serve
  1. Add cooked pasta and pasta water to the baking dish.
  2. Toss until evenly coated.
  3. Serve hot with extra basil on top.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen.
Freezer: Not recommended for best texture.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes before baking.
Vegan Version: Use vegan feta cheese.
Extra Veggies: Add roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms.
Different Pasta: Try penne, fusilli, or farfalle.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Yes, but it may melt more quickly.
What if I don’t have orecchiette?
Any pasta shape works.
Can I use grape tomatoes?
Yes, they roast beautifully.
Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
No, the skins soften during baking.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta.
Can I add protein?
Try grilled chicken or chickpeas.
What if I don’t have lemon?
Skip it or add a splash of vinegar for brightness.
Can I make it ahead?
Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add extra pasta water until creamy.
🏁 Conclusion
This Baked Feta Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create gourmet flavors. With just one baking dish and a pot of pasta, you can have a creamy, tangy, and utterly satisfying meal in under 40 minutes.