Baked Feta Pasta : The Ultimate Pasta Dinner Recipe!

Looking for a fast dinner recipe that’s delicious, effortless, and packed with flavor? This baked feta pasta is exactly what you need! With creamy, tangy feta cheese, juicy roasted tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

If you’re searching for easy pasta dinners, fast dinners, or a pasta dinner recipe your husband will love, this viral sensation will become a new favorite. Plus, it requires minimal ingredients and only one baking dish, making cleanup a breeze!

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Why This Baked Feta Pasta is a Must-Try Dinner Recipe

✔ Super Easy to Make: Toss everything in the oven, cook your pasta, and mix—done!
✔ Creamy & Flavorful: The baked feta creates a rich, tangy, and irresistible sauce.
✔ Minimal Ingredients: You only need a few pantry staples to create this delicious dish.
✔ Perfect for Busy Nights: A quick pasta dinner recipe ready in under 40 minutes.
✔ Great for Families & Date Nights: A dish that everyone will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this baked feta pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta & Sauce

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
10 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional for extra creaminess)

For Additional Flavor (Optional Add-Ins)

1 cup baby spinach (stirred in at the end for extra greens)
½ cup cooked chicken or shrimp (for added protein)
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (for a deeper tomato flavor)

Essential Kitchen Equipment

✔ Baking dish (9×13 or similar size) – To roast the feta and tomatoes.
✔ Large pot – To cook the pasta.
✔ Colander – For draining the pasta.
✔ Wooden spoon – To mix everything together smoothly.
✔ Garlic press – Makes mincing garlic effortless.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Feta & Tomatoes

In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center.
Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the feta.
Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring everything is well coated.
Add garlic, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano over the top.

Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Roasted

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden on top.
If you like extra caramelization, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

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Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven.
Use a spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss everything together.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Stir in fresh basil and grated Parmesan for extra richness.
Serve warm and enjoy this easy pasta dinner!

Pro Tips for the Best Baked Feta Pasta

✔ Use high-quality feta: Greek feta in block form works best—it melts into a creamy texture. Avoid pre-crumbled feta.
✔ Choose the right tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work best because they become sweet and jammy when roasted.
✔ Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly under-cook the pasta (al dente) since it will absorb sauce after mixing.
✔ Add pasta water for extra creaminess: A splash of reserved pasta water helps the sauce coat every bite perfectly.
✔ Broil at the end for extra flavor: A quick 2-minute broil caramelizes the feta and intensifies the tomato sweetness.

Variations & Substitutions

Make it protein-packed: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon.
Try a different cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a milder taste.
Make it vegan: Use dairy-free feta and toss in extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini.
Use different pasta: Try whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles.
Add more veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or roasted bell peppers for added nutrition.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Baked Feta Pasta

This dish is already rich and flavorful, but you can pair it with:

✔ Garlic bread or focaccia for an extra indulgent meal.
✔ A fresh side salad with a balsamic or lemon dressing.
✔ Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts).
✔ A side of grilled chicken or salmon for added protein.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

To Store:

Place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Stovetop: Heat in a pan with a splash of olive oil or water to refresh the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

To Freeze:

Store the pasta without basil in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Prep everything and store the baked feta and tomatoes separately. When ready to eat, warm the sauce and mix it with freshly cooked pasta.

2. Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

A block of feta melts better than pre-crumbled feta, which stays dry and grainy.

3. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey for a spicy-sweet twist.

4. What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni works great since it holds the creamy sauce well.

Final Thoughts: Try This Easy Baked Feta Pasta Tonight!

This baked feta pasta is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. Whether you need a fast dinner recipe, a pasta dinner recipe your husband will love, or just an easy pasta dinner, this dish is a winner. The viral sensation lives up to the hype, and once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite dinner recipes!

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