Get ready to fall in love with the internet's most-talked-about pasta dish that took social media by storm! This mouthwatering Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is not just a recipe – it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavor-packed masterpiece. Imagine a dish so irresistible that it can turn even the most reluctant home cook into a kitchen superstar, with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your feta and tomatoes bake evenly and develop a delicious flavor.
- In a large baking dish, combine the 2 cups of cherry tomatoes and the block of feta cheese. Drizzle the 1/4 cup of olive oil over the top, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle the 1 tsp of dried oregano, along with salt and pepper to taste, over the tomatoes and feta. This will enhance the flavors of the dish.
- Using a spoon, gently toss the cherry tomatoes to coat them in the olive oil and seasoning. Make sure the feta remains in the center of the dish.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 8 oz of pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- After 30 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and gently toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the feta and tomato sauce.
- Serve the baked feta pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Enjoy your delicious Greek-inspired meal!
Tips
- Choose the Right Ingredients: Use high-quality feta cheese and ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor profile.
- Don't Skimp on Olive Oil: The olive oil is crucial for creating a luscious sauce and helping the tomatoes roast perfectly.
- Watch Your Oven: Every oven is slightly different, so keep an eye on the dish to prevent burning. The tomatoes should be blistered and the feta soft and golden.
- Pasta Water is Your Secret Weapon: Reserved pasta water helps create a silky, creamy sauce. Add it gradually to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: While dried oregano works great in the cooking process, finish the dish with fresh basil for a burst of fresh flavor and beautiful presentation.
- Customize to Your Taste: Feel free to add garlic, red pepper flakes, or your favorite herbs to make this recipe uniquely yours.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the oven when the sauce is at its creamiest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 336kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 20mg
