Patrick Oconnell
Baked feta pasta is a viral sensation and a crowd-pleaser that's simple to make and full of flavour. The recipe involves baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, creating a salty and cheesy sauce, which is then tossed with cooked pasta. The beauty of this dish is its versatility – you can use any pasta shape, add protein or vegetables, and play around with the seasoning and herbs. The key to its success is choosing a good, creamy feta and adding pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.
How to cook pasta with feta cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pasta | Any type of pasta can be used, but short tubular pasta is ideal for this dish. Some examples are penne, spaghetti, bow-tie, macaroni, cavatappi, rigatoni, and rotini. |
| Type of Feta Cheese | A block of feta cheese is typically used, although crumbled feta can also work. Greek feta cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk is recommended for the best melting texture. |
| Other Ingredients | Cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, basil, lemon zest, thyme, oregano, parsley, red pepper flakes, spinach, meat, shrimp, walnuts, whipping cream, and more. |
| Oven Temperature | 400°F |
| Baking Time | 30-45 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is melted and golden. |
| Pasta Cooking Instructions | Cook the pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce. |
| Baking Dish | A medium oven-safe baking dish or skillet is used to combine the ingredients for baking. |
| Preparation | Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper in the baking dish. Place the feta block in the center and flip or drizzle with oil to coat. Bake and then mix with cooked pasta. |
| Storage | Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. |
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What You'll Learn
Preheat the oven to 400°F
To cook pasta with feta cheese, you'll need to preheat your oven to 400°F. This is a crucial step, as it ensures that your oven is at the right temperature for baking your pasta and feta cheese. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
First, locate your oven's temperature control knob or buttons. This is usually located on the front of the oven, either on the top or bottom panel. If you have a modern oven with a digital interface, you may need to press a button to access the temperature settings.
Turn the knob or adjust the buttons to set the temperature to 400°F. Make sure you wait until your oven reaches the desired temperature. Some ovens will have a display that shows the current temperature and will alert you once it's preheated. If your oven doesn't have this feature, you can use an oven thermometer to check the temperature.
While the oven is preheating, you can prepare the other ingredients. Chop your tomatoes and any additional ingredients, such as garlic or shallots. You can also prepare the pasta by boiling it in salted water until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside until the oven is ready.
Preheating your oven to 400°F is essential for achieving the correct temperature for baking your feta cheese and pasta. This temperature ensures that your feta cheese will melt properly and that your pasta will cook evenly. It is a key step in creating a delicious and cohesive dish.
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Use olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and basil for seasoning
Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and basil are all key ingredients in seasoning pasta with feta cheese. The olive oil, salt, and pepper are used to coat the tomatoes and feta cheese before baking. After baking, fresh garlic and basil are added to the dish and stirred to combine.
When preparing the pasta, it is recommended to use salted water, with the amount of salt added depending on personal preference. The pasta should be cooked according to the package instructions until al dente.
Once the pasta is cooked, it can be drained and immediately added to the pan of tomatoes and feta cheese. The heat should be reduced to low, and the ingredients tossed to coat. The basil can be added at this stage, along with any other desired herbs such as parsley, oregano, or mint.
The garlic can be added in different forms, depending on preference. Fresh minced garlic can be added after the tomatoes and feta cheese are baked, or grated garlic can be stirred in at the end. For a stronger garlic flavor, sliced garlic can be added to the dish.
The olive oil not only helps to coat the ingredients and enhance the flavor but also aids in creating a smooth and creamy sauce. It can be drizzled over the feta cheese before baking or added during the final stages of preparation if the dish becomes too dry.
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Bake feta cheese with cherry tomatoes
Baking feta cheese with cherry tomatoes is a simple and delicious dish that can be prepared in a few easy steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to create this mouth-watering meal:
Ingredients
To make baked feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese (a block, not crumbled)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Basil
- Pasta of your choice (short tubular pasta like penne or cavatappi is recommended)
Optional Ingredients
While the above ingredients form the base of the dish, you can also add some optional ingredients to enhance the flavour and make it even more nutritious:
- Spinach or other vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or zucchini
- Meat such as chicken, shrimp, ground beef, or Italian sausage
- Red pepper flakes or chilli flakes
- Lemon zest
- Shallots
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Oregano
Method
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it's time to start cooking! Here is a step-by-step guide to baking feta cheese with cherry tomatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt and pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using). Toss until the tomatoes are well coated.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the centre of the baking dish, surrounded by the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top of the feta and season with a bit of pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for around 35-45 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta cheese melts. You will know it's ready when the dish fills your kitchen with a heavenly aroma!
- While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions in a pot of salted water. Aim for 'al dente' pasta. Remember to generously salt the pasta water for more flavourful pasta.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. This can be added to the sauce to make it smoother and help it coat the pasta more generously.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately add some fresh garlic and basil leaves. Stir everything together so that the garlic softens in the heat of the dish.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and give everything a good mix. If using any other optional ingredients, such as spinach or meat, this is the step to add them in and toss everything together.
- Serve the baked feta cheese and cherry tomato pasta immediately. Enjoy the cheesy, salty, and tangy flavours of this simple yet irresistible dish!
Tips and Tricks
- Play around with the seasoning and herbs to find your perfect flavour combination. You can try using fresh oregano, thyme, or roasted garlic.
- For a creamier texture, try using goat cheese or full-fat ricotta instead of feta.
- If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a few days.
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Cook pasta in a pot of salted water
To cook pasta with feta cheese, you'll need to cook the pasta in a pot of salted water while the feta cheese bakes in the oven. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, prepare the feta cheese mixture by combining cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper in an oven-safe baking dish. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, shallots, or red pepper flakes to enhance the flavor. Toss the ingredients until they are well combined.
Next, place a block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. Drizzle the feta with a small amount of olive oil and surround it with the seasoned cherry tomatoes. You can also add a few sprigs of thyme or other herbs for extra aroma.
While the feta and tomatoes are baking in the oven, it's time to cook the pasta. Fill a large pot with water and place it on your stovetop. For every 3-4 quarts of water, add about 1 tablespoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. The amount of salt added is important—it should be generous enough so that the water tastes like the sea. This will ensure your pasta is seasoned properly.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the pasta of your choice to the pot. You can use any type of pasta you like, such as penne, spaghetti, bow-tie, or cavatappi. Short tubular pastas are ideal as they are easier to toss in the baking dish, and the sauce can hide inside them. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Follow the package instructions for cooking time, aiming for an al dente texture. Al dente means that the pasta is cooked until it still has a slight bite to it, rather than being overcooked and soft. When the pasta is done to your liking, drain the water and set the pasta aside temporarily.
By now, your feta and tomatoes should be nicely baked. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Finally, combine the baked feta and tomatoes with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding a little pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce and help it coat the pasta generously. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious feta pasta!
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Add cooked pasta to the feta and tomato mixture
Once you have cooked your pasta, it's time to add it to the feta and tomato mixture. Drain the pasta and immediately add it to the pan of tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and toss to coat. You can use any pasta shape you like, but short tubular pastas such as macaroni or cavatappi are ideal for this dish as they are easier to toss in the baking dish, and the sauce can hide inside them.
You can also add a scoop of pasta water to help stretch your sauce and coat your pasta more smoothly and generously. Generously salt the pasta water for more flavourful pasta. If you want to add more vegetables, spinach is a great option. Simply reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and, right before draining, pour and submerge the spinach in with the pasta (it should wilt almost instantly).
Now, add the feta cheese and herbs. For the best results, use real Greek feta cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk. Feta-like cheeses made from cow's milk will not melt in the same way, resulting in a grainy texture. You can use basil, parsley, oregano, or a mix of herbs. If you love garlicky flavours, you can stir in another grated clove, too.
Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.
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