Feta Pasta
Try our easy baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a creamy feta sauce. It’s an easy dish everyone will love.
Baked feta pasta has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something comforting but don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. It’s easy to make, packed with fresh flavors, and versatile enough to please just about anyone at the table.
This recipe gained fame thanks to the Finnish blogger behind Liemessa and a viral TikTok video, but it’s not just a trend—it’s genuinely delicious.
With a block of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and some pantry staples, you can whip up a creamy, savory pasta dish that tastes like something you’d order at a nice restaurant.
Looking for more pasta recipes? Try our sesame noodles, pizza pasta, and one pot cheeseburger pasta.
Tips and Variations
This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily make it your own. Here are some ideas:
- Use the Right Cheese: A block of feta cheese works best here—crumbled feta doesn’t melt the same way and tends to be saltier. Feta cheese isn’t super melty like mozzarella, but the block variety is the best option.
- Choose a Short Pasta: I like penne or rigatoni, but any short pasta works well.
- Save the Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is a lifesaver if your sauce feels too thick.
- Add Veggies: Asparagus or spinach can bake right alongside the tomatoes and feta.
- Include Protein: Stir in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even ground turkey for a heartier meal.
- Try Cheese Swaps: Goat cheese can replace feta for a creamier texture. Be mindful, because it tends to be strong in flavor. Goat cheese works best when mixed with another cheese like cream cheese.
This pasta also pairs beautifully with fresh, crusty bread or light salad.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook it al dente to ensure it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
What type of tomatoes work best?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are great because they roast beautifully and have a naturally sweet flavor. If you can’t find those, small tomatoes on the vine or San Marzano tomatoes also work well.
How can I add some spice to this dish?
To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the feta and tomatoes before baking.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce and bring back its creaminess.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for this dish, since the texture of the cheese and tomatoes may not hold up well.
More Pasta Recipes:
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Ingredients
- 8 ounce block of feta cheese
- 40 ounces cherry tomatoes, two (20-ounce) containers
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs, similar to Italian seasonings, oregano, basil, etc.
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 8 ounces short pasta noodles, cooked
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C), and lightly coat a large baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Place a block of feta cheese in the center of the dish and scatter cherry or grape tomatoes around it.8 ounce block of feta cheese40 ounces cherry tomatoes
- Add Flavor: Drizzle everything with a mixture of olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.¼ cup olive oil2 garlic cloves1 teaspoon Italian herbs½ teaspoon salt½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Bake: Roast the feta and tomatoes for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden around the edges and the tomatoes burst.
- Combine: Remove the dish from the oven and stir the cheese and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Toss with cooked pasta, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed (you may not need the entire ½ cup).8 ounces short pasta noodles½ cup reserved pasta water
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Top with fresh basil leaves, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Notes
- The calories listed are an approximation based on the ingredients in the recipe card and a serving size of 2 cups of feta pasta. Actual calories will vary.
- This dish serves between 4 to 6 people. The calories listed are meant for 4 servings.