Baked Feta Pasta: Easy and Delicious

This one-pan baked feta pasta recipe is perfect for beginner cooks! It’s simple to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a burst of flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Additional Time: None Total Time: 50 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces feta cheese block
• 8 ounces pasta (cavatappi, penne, or your favorite kind)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the tomatoes: In a baking dish, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake the feta and tomatoes: Nest the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens.
4. Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water (just in case!).
5. Combine everything: Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the minced garlic and chopped basil to the baking dish and toss everything together.
6. Incorporate the pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat it with the creamy tomato-feta sauce. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
7. Serve and enjoy! Plate the baked feta pasta and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves. Enjoy warm and crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Tips for Beginners:

• Don’t overcrowd the baking dish. This allows for even heat distribution and helps the tomatoes blister nicely.
• Use a spoon to gently break up the feta cheese after it bakes. This helps it to incorporate better with the pasta.
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasonings with additional salt or pepper as needed.
• Fresh basil is key! Don’t skip the garnish for that extra pop of flavor.

This baked feta pasta recipe is a great way to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen! Enjoy!