Pin It A festive, creamy pasta dish featuring oven-roasted feta, bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a snowy sprinkle of grated Parmesan, perfect for a holiday table.
I first served this to my family during Christmas and it quickly became a holiday favorite.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese block
- Parmesan cheese: 60 g (2 oz), finely grated
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g (1 lb), mixed colors preferred
- Garlic: 3 cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
- Short pasta: 350 g (12 oz) fusilli penne or rigatoni
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Red pepper flakes: ½ tsp (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange Ingredients:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish Arrange cherry tomatoes garlic and onion (if using) around the feta.
- Season:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil sprinkle with oregano red pepper flakes (if using) salt and pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges.
- Cook Pasta:
- Meanwhile cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water then drain the pasta.
- Mash Feta and Tomatoes:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven Using a large spoon gently mash and mix the feta with the tomatoes and garlic until creamy.
- Toss Pasta:
- Add the hot pasta to the baking dish tossing everything together Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately topped with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Pin It My family always gathers around the table eagerly waiting for this dish during the holidays.
Notes
Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or festive sparkling water for the perfect meal.
Required Tools
Oven safe baking dish Large pot Strainer Mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta Parmesan) wheat (pasta) Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if required For gluten free use certified gluten free pasta.
Pin It This baked feta pasta is a simple yet elegant dish that brings warmth and joy to any holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feta provides a unique creamy tang that melts beautifully when baked. However, a plant-based feta or similar crumbly cheese can work well for dietary preferences.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce nicely and work well in this dish.
- → How do I ensure the sauce is silky?
Adding reserved warm pasta water gradually while mixing helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, baby spinach or roasted red peppers can add extra color and flavor to the dish.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use certified gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free while keeping all the original flavors.