Save Pin A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet irresistible meal.
This is one of my favorite quick meals when I want something comforting yet fresh. It never fails to impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g, halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Short pasta: 300 g (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Pitted Kalamata olives: 100 g, halved
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves: to serve
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place the feta block in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and olives.
- Season:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Cook pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water, then drain.
- Mash feta and tomatoes:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, mixing well to create a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time for a silkier sauce.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Save Pin This dish always brings my family together around the dinner table, sparking lively conversations and smiles.
Notes
Try adding baby spinach or arugula for extra greens. Use a gluten-free pasta if needed. Excellent wine pairing: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.
Required Tools
Baking dish, large pot, colander, mixing spoon or fork, chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (feta cheese), Wheat (pasta, unless gluten-free variety is used). If using pre-pitted olives, check for potential nut contamination. Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies.
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This simple yet elegant meal is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Enjoy the fresh Mediterranean flavors with every bite.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → What pasta types work best with baked feta and tomatoes?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and create a satisfying texture with the baked ingredients.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Yes, crushed red pepper flakes are optional. Adding them adds a gentle heat, but you can omit or increase them according to your taste preferences.
- → What’s the best way to get a creamy sauce from baked feta?
Once baked, mash the softened feta with the tomatoes and olives to create a creamy mixture. Adding reserved pasta water helps achieve a silky, smooth consistency.
- → Are there good variations for adding more greens?
Adding baby spinach or arugula either right before serving or tossed gently with the pasta provides extra color and nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
- → How should this dish be paired with drinks?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé complement the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes perfectly, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors.