Can I use different types of cheese if I don't have feta?

While feta gives this dish its signature flavor, you can experiment with goat cheese for a similar tangy result. Brie or camembert will give you creaminess but with a milder flavor profile. The texture and taste will be different, but still delicious!

My sauce seems too dry after mixing with pasta. What should I do?

This is exactly why we save that pasta water! Add a splash (start with 2-3 tablespoons) and toss everything together. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. If you didn't save pasta water, a little warm water or broth will work in a pinch.

Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?

You can roast the tomatoes and feta ahead of time, but I'd recommend reheating them gently before mixing with freshly cooked pasta. For best results, cook the pasta just before serving and combine everything while hot for that creamy texture.

My family doesn't like chunks of tomato. Can I make this smoother?

Absolutely! After the tomatoes and feta have baked, you can use an immersion blender to create a smoother sauce before adding the pasta. Just be careful not to over-blend – a little texture adds character to the dish.

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces cavatappi pasta (or pasta of choice); 2 pints cherry tomatoes; 8-ounce block feta cheese; ½ cup extra virgin olive oil; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 garlic cloves, minced; ¼ cup fresh basil, packed and chopped (plus extra for garnish)

This Baked Feta Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you need something impressive but effortless. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this dish transforms humble cherry tomatoes and feta into a creamy, tangy sauce that coats every curl of pasta. The combination of sweet bursting tomatoes, melty feta, and fresh herbs creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ridiculously Simple: Just toss everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let it work its magic while you relax.
Show-Stopping Flavors: The contrast between sweet roasted tomatoes and tangy feta creates a sauce that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Base: Once you master the basic technique, you can customize it countless ways to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Perfect for Company: Looks and tastes impressive enough for guests but requires almost zero effort – your secret weapon for entertaining!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst in the oven, releasing their sweet juices that form the base of our sauce. Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted.
Feta Cheese: The star of the show! Use a block (not crumbled) for the creamiest results. It transforms from crumbly to silky smooth in the oven.
Olive Oil: Be generous here – it helps roast the tomatoes and becomes part of the sauce. Use the best quality you can.
Pasta: Cavatappi works wonderfully because the spirals catch all that saucy goodness, but any short pasta shape with nooks and crannies will work beautifully.
Garlic: Added after baking to maintain its punchy flavor without becoming bitter. Feel free to increase if you’re a garlic lover.
Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cheese. The fragrance alone is worth using fresh over dried.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that lets the main ingredients shine. Season to your preference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Here are some delicious twists:

Add Some Heat

Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the tomatoes before baking for a spicy kick that balances the creamy cheese.

Protein Boost

Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or Italian sausage after baking for a heartier meal.

Veggie Power

Toss in spinach, zucchini, or asparagus pieces during the last 5 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.

Herbaceous Notes

Switch up the herbs with oregano, thyme, or mint for different flavor profiles.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pour those vibrant cherry tomatoes into a baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give everything a good toss until the tomatoes are glistening with oil.

Step 2: Add the Feta

Place your block of feta right in the center of the tomatoes like it’s sitting on a throne. Flip it a couple times to coat it in that seasoned oil. This helps the cheese develop a beautiful exterior while baking.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and let it work its magic for about 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst their seams and the feta has softened to a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your tomatoes and feta are roasting, bring a pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining – this starchy liquid is liquid gold if you need to loosen your sauce.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

The moment of transformation! While everything is still hot, add minced garlic and chopped basil to the baked tomatoes and feta. The residual heat will release all those aromatic flavors without burning them. Stir everything together, watching as the feta melts into a creamy sauce.

Step 6: Toss with Pasta

Add your drained pasta directly to the baking dish and toss until every piece is coated in that luscious sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Block Feta is Best: Pre-crumbled feta won’t melt the same way. Look for Greek or Bulgarian feta for the creamiest result.
Don’t Rush the Roasting: Those extra minutes in the oven help develop deep, caramelized flavors in the tomatoes.
Al Dente Pasta is Crucial: Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the hot sauce and prevent mushiness.
Save That Pasta Water: It’s the secret ingredient for the perfect sauce consistency – the starch helps everything come together.

How to Serve

This dish is a showstopper on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

As a Main Course

Serve with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette and crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Wine Pairing

A crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc complements the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes beautifully.

Finishing Touches

A drizzle of high-quality olive oil, a scatter of extra basil leaves, or a light dusting of red pepper flakes adds a professional restaurant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta actually tastes amazing the next day! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or in the microwave at 50% power to prevent the sauce from separating.

Freezing

While possible, the texture is best when fresh. If freezing, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese if I don’t have feta?

While feta gives this dish its signature flavor, you can experiment with goat cheese for a similar tangy result. Brie or camembert will give you creaminess but with a milder flavor profile. The texture and taste will be different, but still delicious!
My sauce seems too dry after mixing with pasta. What should I do?

This is exactly why we save that pasta water! Add a splash (start with 2-3 tablespoons) and toss everything together. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the pasta. If you didn’t save pasta water, a little warm water or broth will work in a pinch.
Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?

You can roast the tomatoes and feta ahead of time, but I’d recommend reheating them gently before mixing with freshly cooked pasta. For best results, cook the pasta just before serving and combine everything while hot for that creamy texture.
My family doesn’t like chunks of tomato. Can I make this smoother?

Absolutely! After the tomatoes and feta have baked, you can use an immersion blender to create a smoother sauce before adding the pasta. Just be careful not to over-blend – a little texture adds character to the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Pasta is one of those magical recipes that delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. In just 40 minutes, mostly hands-off, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a Mediterranean kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one or hosting friends, this pasta never fails to impress. So grab those cherry tomatoes and that block of feta – dinner is about to get a whole lot more exciting!