Description

We all have those evenings when cooking feels like a chore and inspiration is nowhere to be found. That’s exactly when this Baked Feta Tomato Pasta comes to the rescue. With just a handful of ingredients and almost zero effort, you get a creamy, rich, flavor-packed pasta that tastes like something you ordered from a cute café — even though the oven did most of the work for you. This recipe is cozy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights, study sessions, or when you just want something really good without spending all night in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese (preferably a block packed in brine)
2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or your favorite short shape)
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Optional Add-Ins

Lemon zest
Fresh spinach
Cooked chicken or cooked Italian sausage
Extra veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion
A splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for extra richness

Instructions

Step 1 — Prep & Preheat

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Add the cherry tomatoes to a 9×13 baking dish. Add garlic, olive oil, a pinch of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss until the tomatoes are evenly coated.

Step 2 — Add the Feta

Make a well in the center of the tomatoes and place the feta block in the middle. Lightly drizzle the top with a bit more olive oil.

Step 3 — Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and softened and the feta is lightly golden on top.

Step 4 — Cook Your Pasta

While the feta bakes, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 5 — Make the Sauce

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta and tomatoes together until creamy. If the sauce seems thick, add 1–3 tablespoons of pasta water until smooth and glossy.

Step 6 — Combine Everything

Add the hot pasta directly into the dish. Toss well until every piece is coated in the creamy feta-tomato sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 7 — Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and a little drizzle of olive oil. Serve straight from the dish for a cozy, family-style dinner.

Notes

Use feta in brine — it melts creamier and has way more flavor.
Don’t under-bake the tomatoes. They should be wrinkled and burst for maximum sweetness.
Reserve pasta water — it helps blend the sauce into a silky, perfect consistency.
Add fresh basil right before serving for the best aroma and flavor.