Weeknight • Pasta
Creamy Tomato-Feta Pasta Bake
Baked pasta with burst cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and a hint of spice for an effortlessly delicious dinner.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight
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Inspired by a viral sensation, but with our own creamy, dreamy twist! This tomato-feta pasta bake is incredibly easy, ridiculously flavorful, and feels like a warm hug. Simply toss everything together, bake until bubbly, and stir for a weeknight meal that's a true crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 lb short pasta (like penne, fusilli, or orecchiette)
- 10 oz block feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Step 2
Create a space in the center of the tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese. Drizzle the feta with a little extra olive oil.
Step 3
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and are softened, and the feta is golden and bubbly.
Step 4
While the sauce is baking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 5
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Smash the roasted feta and tomatoes with a fork, then stir well to combine into a creamy sauce. Stir in the heavy cream until smooth.
Step 6
Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss thoroughly to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the fresh basil.
Step 7
Serve immediately, perhaps with a little extra basil for garnish!
Tips
- Use good quality block feta, not the pre-crumbled kind, for the best gooey texture.
- Got leftovers? This pasta reheats well, though it may thicken. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating.
- Amp up the flavor by adding a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of baking the tomatoes, or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs before serving.
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