Description
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe offers a creamy, plant-based cheese sauce blended with oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for family dinners. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a versatile and vibrant meal that suits various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, fresh
- 1 block (about 200g) (plant-based) feta cheese
- 3 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 300g pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
Optional Variations
- 1 cup chopped zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (natural)
- Fresh oregano or thyme leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes and Cheese: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, arrange the cherry tomatoes and a block of (plant-based) feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil (natural), add the minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Toss the tomatoes lightly to coat but keep the cheese intact.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Roasted: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and soften, and the (plant-based) feta becomes soft and slightly golden on top to develop caramelized flavors.
- Cook Pasta Meanwhile: While the tomatoes and cheese bake, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
- Combine and Stir: Once baked, mash the softened (plant-based) feta and roasted tomatoes together using a fork or spoon until creamy. Toss the cooked pasta into the baking dish and mix thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if desired.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes on top just before serving. Serve immediately while warm and comforting.
Notes
- Use ripe cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and juiciness.
- Watch the baking time carefully to prevent the (plant-based) feta from drying out or browning excessively.
- Reserve pasta water when draining pasta to loosen the sauce and enhance creaminess.
- Add fresh herbs like basil last for maximum flavor brightness.
- Choose high-quality (plant-based) feta as it forms the flavor foundation of this dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked feta pasta, plant-based feta, roasted tomato pasta, easy family dinner, gluten-free pasta recipe
