Frederic Melton
Baked feta pasta is a viral sensation that has taken the world by storm. The original recipe, created by Finnish blogger Tiiu Piret, features a block of feta cheese baked with tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This simple yet mouthwatering dish has inspired countless variations, with home cooks adding their own creative twists. The key to achieving the perfect creamy sauce lies in the baking process, but how long should you cook feta cheese pasta?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35-45 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Oven Temperature | 400°F |
| Bake Time | 30 minutes |
| Additional Bake Time | 5-15 minutes at 450°F |
| Pasta | Cavatappi, Campanelle, Bowtie, Ziti, Penne, Rigatoni, Fusilli, Gemelli, Spaghetti, Capellini, Pappardelle, Macaroni, Radiatori, Orzo, Rotini, Mezze Rigatoni |
| Tomatoes | Cherry, Grape, Whole, Canned Diced |
| Feta Cheese | 8 oz block |
| Olive Oil | 1/2 cup |
| Seasoning | Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Cayenne, Dried Parsley, Basil, Oregano, Thyme, Mint |
| Other Ingredients | Shallots, Lemon Zest, Balsamic Glaze, Spinach, Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Goat Cheese, Brie, Chicken, Shrimp, Salmon, Seafood, Meat, Mushrooms, Lemon Juice, Asparagus, Broccoli, Squash, Zucchini, Rice, Parsley, Red Onion, Chilli |
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What You'll Learn
What type of feta cheese to use
When making feta cheese pasta, it's best to use a block of feta cheese rather than crumbled feta. This is because the block is less processed and will give a more melty and creamy consistency when baked. Blocks of feta cheese typically come in 8 oz sizes and can be found in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores.
If you are unable to get your hands on a block of feta cheese, don't worry, you can still make this dish with crumbled feta. Just be sure to keep the feta stacked in the middle of your baking dish so that it creates a melty consistency when baked.
Feta cheese is traditionally made from sheep's milk or goat's milk and is known for its salty flavour. If you find the flavour of feta cheese too strong, you can try diluting it in a cheese sauce or using a different type of milk. Goat's milk, for example, will impart a stronger flavour due to the lipase enzyme it contains.
When preparing the feta cheese for baking, be sure to handle it gently as it has a grainy and crumbly texture and can easily break apart.
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How long to bake the feta cheese for
The feta cheese should be baked for around 30 minutes at 400°F. After this, the oven temperature should be increased to 450°F and the feta baked for another 5-10 minutes. This higher temperature will make the cherry tomatoes burst open and turn the pasta sauce red/orange.
The total bake time for the feta cheese is around 35-45 minutes. You will know it is done when the feta is golden and the tomatoes have burst, creating a jammy texture. The feta will not melt but will soften and become creamy.
Tips
- If you want your cherry tomatoes to be soft but still hold their shape, avoid baking for too long at the higher temperature.
- If you want your sauce to be saucier, crowd the baking dish with cherry tomatoes.
- If you want your sauce to be drier, place the tomatoes in a single layer to allow for air circulation.
- If you want your tomatoes to blister, increase the heat by setting the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes or increase the temperature to 450°F for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
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What type of pasta to use
When it comes to choosing the right pasta for your feta cheese bake, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's worth noting that almost any type of pasta can be used. The original recipe calls for short tubular pasta, such as macaroni or cavatappi, which is ideal as the sauce can get trapped inside each piece. However, feel free to experiment with different shapes such as penne, spaghetti, bow-tie, fusilli, or even gluten-free options.
If you're looking for a more substantial bite, consider using a short pasta shape like rigatoni, fusilli, or gemelli. These shapes provide a heartier texture and can hold up to the creamy sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter dish, opt for long, thin pasta like spaghetti or capellini. These options will give a more delicate mouthfeel while still absorbing the flavours of the sauce.
Additionally, the type of flour used in the pasta can also make a difference. Whole wheat pasta, for example, adds a nutty flavour and extra fibre to the dish. Alternatively, gluten-free options such as brown rice pasta are available for those with dietary restrictions.
Ultimately, the choice of pasta depends on your personal preference and what you have on hand. Don't be afraid to experiment and find the perfect pairing for your feta cheese bake.
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How to make the feta cheese sauce
Ingredients
First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. The quantities listed here are for a single adult serving of pasta (2 oz of dried pasta). You can adjust the quantities as needed.
- Feta Cheese: 2 oz (half a block)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 6 oz
- Olive Oil: 2-3 tbsp
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Garlic: 2 cloves, smashed or minced
- Basil: 1/4 cup, packed and chopped
- Lemon Zest: from 1 lemon (optional)
- Pasta: 2 oz of any short variety, such as penne, fusilli, or cavatappi
Method
Preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare your ingredients. Crush or mince the garlic cloves, chop the basil, and halve the cherry tomatoes.
In an oven-safe baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes, 1-2 tbsp of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined. Place the block of feta cheese in the centre of the baking dish, and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta cheese softens and becomes creamy. While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the cooking liquid if you'd like to add it to your sauce.
Once the tomatoes and feta are done baking, remove them from the oven and add the garlic and basil. Toss everything to combine. You can also add the lemon zest at this point if you're using it.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. If you'd like a smoother, creamier sauce, you can add some of the reserved pasta water. Serve the feta cheese pasta immediately, garnished with additional basil.
Tips and Variations
- For the best results, use a block of feta cheese rather than crumbled feta. The block is less processed and will give a meltier consistency when baked.
- If you want a spicier dish, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the tomato and feta mixture before baking.
- You can also add other ingredients to the baking dish, such as shallots, rosemary, or other herbs and spices.
- For a creamier sauce, you can blend the feta cheese, olive oil, and yogurt in a food processor before adding the herbs and lemon zest.
- If you want to add some extra protein, try serving the feta cheese pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
- For a vegetarian option, pair the pasta with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, mushrooms, or spinach.
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How to serve the feta cheese pasta
Feta cheese pasta is a simple, tasty, and versatile dish. It can be served in a variety of ways and is a great option for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together with friends. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to serve this delicious pasta dish:
Choose the right pasta:
When it comes to selecting the type of pasta, short tubular shapes are usually the best option. This is because the sauce can get trapped inside each piece, making for a more flavourful bite. Some recommended pasta shapes include penne, cavatappi, macaroni, rigatoni, fusilli, and bow tie. However, feel free to use any short type of pasta that you have on hand.
Prepare the ingredients:
For the feta cheese pasta, you will need a block of feta cheese, cherry or grape tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes. You can also add some salt and pepper to taste. If you want to make it more creamy, you can include heavy cream and cream cheese, as well as some Parmesan cheese.
Baking instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, combine the tomatoes, olive oil, and spices. Place the block of feta cheese in the centre and drizzle with more olive oil and pepper flakes. Bake for 30 minutes, and then increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden.
Cook the pasta:
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted water. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
Combine and serve:
Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven and add the garlic and basil. Stir everything together to create a creamy sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until combined. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the feta cheese pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil.
Variations and customisations:
The beauty of this dish is that it can be customised to your taste preferences. You can add more vegetables, such as spinach, asparagus, mushrooms, or broccoli. You can also include proteins like chicken or salmon. If you want a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. Play around with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley. You can even try using different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or brie, instead of feta.
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Frequently asked questions
Bake the feta cheese for 30 minutes, then increase the heat to 450°F and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
The feta pasta can last in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
The feta pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months.
