Save A festive, colorful pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, cherry tomatoes, and holiday herbs, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet elegant meal.
This dish brings warmth and cheer to our holiday table every year, making celebrations even more special.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 200 g feta cheese block
- Vegetables: 500 g cherry tomatoes, whole, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 100 g baby spinach, 1 small red bell pepper, diced, Zest of 1 lemon
- Pasta: 300 g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare baking dish:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center. Surround with cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
- Season:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss vegetables gently, keeping the feta in the center.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Cook pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100 ml (about ⅓ cup) of the pasta water, then drain.
- Add greens and zest:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Season:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save This recipe is a family favorite that brings everyone together around the dinner table during the holidays.
Additional Tips
For a festive touch, use tricolor cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper for extra color.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a well-rounded meal.
Dietary Variations
Gluten-free pasta can be substituted to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
Save This one-pan baked feta pasta brings bright flavors and simple elegance to any meal.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni complement the creamy baked feta well, allowing the sauce to cling to each piece.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, using certified gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta maintains the dish's texture and flavor for a gluten-free option.
- → How do I know when the feta is perfectly baked?
Bake until the feta is golden and soft, and the cherry tomatoes have burst, releasing their juices to create a creamy sauce.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
For best results, cook fresh just before serving. However, you can assemble ingredients in advance and bake close to mealtime.
- → What garnishes enhance the flavors?
Fresh torn basil leaves add brightness and aroma; a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes provides gentle heat if desired.
- → Are there any suggested additions for texture?
To add crunch, consider roasted walnuts or pine nuts stirred in just before serving.