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Baked Feta Pasta

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Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice of pasta)
  • 1 block (200g) feta cheese (unsalted or lightly salted)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Feta Cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy and creamy texture when melted, making it the star of the dish.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: The tomatoes roast to perfection, bursting with flavor and adding a natural sweetness that balances the saltiness of the feta.
  • Olive Oil: Olive oil helps to bring everything together, giving the dish a smooth and rich base.
  • Garlic and Oregano: Garlic adds depth to the flavor, and oregano gives the dish a Mediterranean touch.
  • Pasta: The pasta acts as the base to soak up all the creamy sauce created by the feta and tomatoes.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or a large oven-safe pan with parchment paper to make cleaning up easier.

  2. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to keep the pasta al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Prepare the Baking Dish: In your baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the cherry tomatoes, making sure the feta is surrounded by tomatoes on all sides.

Add the Seasonings:

  1. Season the Dish: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the tomatoes around the feta so they’re evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

  2. Roast in the Oven: Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and softened, and the feta has begun to turn golden brown on top.

Make the Sauce:

  1. Mash the Feta and Tomatoes: Once the feta and tomatoes are roasted, remove the dish from the oven. Use a spoon or fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. The feta will melt into the tomatoes, creating a smooth and flavorful base.

Combine with the Pasta:

  1. Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss it in the creamy sauce until everything is well coated. If the sauce seems a little thick, you can add a small amount of pasta water to loosen it up.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Serve the Baked Feta Pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. If desired, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://buttereats.com/baked-feta-pasta/