Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a popular ingredient in many pasta dishes, and for good reason. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of pasta recipes, adding a salty and briny flavour to the dish. Feta cheese pairs well with tomatoes, spinach, and other vegetables, making it a great option for vegetarian pasta dishes. The cheese can be baked with other ingredients to create a sauce, or simply crumbled on top of the pasta. Its versatility also extends to the type of pasta used, as feta cheese can be used with short-cut pasta, long pasta, or stuffed pasta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Salty, cheesy, tasty |
| Ingredients | Feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, basil, oregano, thyme |
| Time | Quick and easy to make |
| Nutritional value | Sugar Conscious, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Mediterranean, Peanut-free, Tree Nut-free, Soy-free, Fish-free, Shellfish-free, Pork-free, Red Meat-free, Crustacean-free, Celery-free, Mustard-free, Sesame-free, Lupine-free, Mollusk-free, Alcohol-free, Sulphite-free, Kosher |
| Presentation | Vibrant, colourful |
| Types of pasta | Penne, spaghetti, bow-tie, gluten-free, fusilli, cavatappi, farfalle, linguine, angel hair, rigatoni, lentil pasta, chickpea pasta, ravioli, tortellini |
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What You'll Learn
- Feta cheese and cherry tomatoes are a classic combination for pasta
- Use Greek feta cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk for best results
- You can bake feta cheese with tomatoes to create a salty and cheesy sauce for pasta
- Feta pasta can be served as a vegetarian meal or a meatless side with grilled meats
- You can use any pasta shape, but curves or edges allow the sauce to cling better
Feta cheese and cherry tomatoes are a classic combination for pasta
To make this dish, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish and add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss until well combined. Then, place a block of feta cheese in the centre of the baking dish and flip it a few times to coat it with the olive oil and seasoning. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta cheese softens and melts slightly. While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions.
Once the baking is complete, remove the thyme sprigs and mash the feta and tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine. You can also add some of the pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce if needed. Finally, garnish with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or red pepper flakes, and grated lemon zest if desired.
This dish is versatile and can be customised to your taste. You can add other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers, or protein such as cooked chicken or ground beef. If you're not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta, although the cooking time may need to be adjusted. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, although shapes with curves or edges are recommended to allow the sauce to cling better.
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Use Greek feta cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk for best results
Feta cheese is a great addition to pasta, and for the best results, it's recommended to use Greek feta cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk. This type of feta cheese melts beautifully when baked, creating a deliciously creamy and salty sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
The Greek feta cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk has a higher melting point than feta-like cheeses made from cow's milk, which tend to become grainy when melted. This makes it ideal for baked pasta dishes, where you want a smooth and creamy sauce.
When making feta pasta, it's also important to choose the right type of pasta. Short-cut pasta, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle, works well because it has curves or edges that allow the sauce to cling to it. However, you can use any type of pasta you like, including spaghetti, gluten-free options, or even stuffed pasta like ravioli or tortellini.
The beauty of feta pasta is that it's a simple dish with just a few basic ingredients. Besides the feta cheese and pasta, all you need are tomatoes, olive oil, and some seasoning. Cherry tomatoes are a popular choice, as they burst in the oven, releasing their sweet juices and creating a stunning presentation. However, you can use any type of tomato you prefer.
To make the dish even more flavorful, you can add ingredients like garlic, basil, mint, parsley, or red chili flakes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with adding vegetables like spinach, arugula, kale, asparagus, bell peppers, or mushrooms. For an extra cheesy touch, you can throw in some small mozzarella balls, sliced mozzarella, or cubed or grated Parmesan.
Feta pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served as a vegetarian main course or paired with grilled meats, chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a more substantial meal. It's perfect for busy weeknights, as it comes together in just 20 to 30 minutes, and it can be easily doubled to feed a crowd.
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You can bake feta cheese with tomatoes to create a salty and cheesy sauce for pasta
Feta cheese and tomatoes are a classic combination that can be used to create a delicious pasta dish. This recipe is simple, quick, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. By baking feta cheese with tomatoes, you can create a salty and cheesy sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- Feta Cheese (a block or crumbled)
- Cherry Tomatoes or Grape Tomatoes
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic
- Basil or other herbs (optional)
- Pasta of your choice
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F or 350°F, depending on your oven's settings. In an oven-safe baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and drizzle them with olive oil. Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper, and give them a good mix to combine.
Now, add the block of feta cheese to the center of the dish. You can also use crumbled feta, but keep it stacked in the middle. Drizzle a little olive oil and seasoning on the feta and flip it a couple of times to coat it evenly.
Bake this in the preheated oven for around 20 to 35 minutes. The baking time may vary slightly, but you want the cherry tomatoes to burst and the feta cheese to melt, creating a creamy sauce.
While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. You can use any shape of pasta you like, from penne to spaghetti to bow-tie. Just remember that curved or edged shapes tend to hold the sauce better.
Once the baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and add the cooked garlic and basil or other herbs if using. Give everything a good toss to combine. You can also add in some chopped walnuts, a splash of heavy whipping cream, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and mix well to coat it in the delicious, salty feta-tomato sauce. Serve immediately, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
This dish is not only tasty but also versatile. You can experiment with different herbs, spices, and ingredients to make it your own. It's a great option for vegetarians, and you can also make it dairy-free and gluten-free with suitable alternatives.
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Feta pasta can be served as a vegetarian meal or a meatless side with grilled meats
Feta pasta is a delicious and simple dish that can be served as a vegetarian meal or a meatless side with grilled meats. The star ingredient, feta cheese, lends a salty and briny flavour to the pasta, creating a unique and mouthwatering combination. The best type of feta cheese to use is a fresh block of Greek feta made from sheep's and goat's milk, as it melts beautifully and provides a creamy texture.
This versatile dish can be easily customised to suit anyone's taste preferences and dietary needs. For the pasta, you can use any shape you like, from penne to spaghetti to bow-tie, or even gluten-free options like chickpea and lentil pasta. If you're looking to add more vegetables, cherry tomatoes are a popular choice, as they burst with flavour and create a stunning presentation. Other veggies that pair well include spinach, asparagus, bell peppers, and mushrooms.
To elevate the dish even further, you can experiment with different herbs and seasonings. Basil is a classic choice, but you could also try mint, parsley, oregano, or even chilli flakes for a spicy kick. If you're feeling creative, add some walnuts for crunch or a splash of cream for a comforting texture. The possibilities are endless!
Feta pasta is not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It takes just 20 to 30 minutes to cook, and you can even make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later. Whether served as a main course or a side, feta pasta is a flavourful and flexible option that's sure to impress.
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You can use any pasta shape, but curves or edges allow the sauce to cling better
Feta cheese and pasta is a delicious combination. The saltiness of the feta pairs well with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, making it a popular choice for pasta sauces. The dish can be made with a variety of pasta shapes, but curves or edges allow the sauce to cling better.
The "Tik Tok Pasta" or "Baked Feta Pasta" is a viral sensation that originated in Finland. It involves baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, creating a salty and cheesy sauce. While the original recipe calls for baking the feta and tomatoes, some variations suggest making a stovetop sauce by cooking the tomatoes with olive oil and seasoning before adding the feta. This sauce can be made with any type of pasta, but curves or edges will allow the sauce to cling better.
Penne, spaghetti, bow-tie, and fusilli are all great options for this dish. Farfalle, with its bow-tie shape, not only adds a whimsical touch to the plate but also provides more surface area for the sauce to cling to. Similarly, fusilli, with its twisted shape, offers ample nooks and crannies for the sauce to settle into, ensuring each bite is packed with flavour.
However, it is important to note that the choice of pasta ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer the simplicity of spaghetti, allowing the sauce to coat each strand evenly. Others might opt for a more substantial shape like rigatoni, creating a heartier dish. The key is to choose a shape that will complement the sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
In conclusion, when it comes to feta cheese pasta, any pasta shape can be used, but curves or edges will allow the sauce to cling better and create a more flavourful dish. So, feel free to experiment with different shapes and find the one that suits your taste and presentation preferences!
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Frequently asked questions
This feta pasta recipe is super easy to make in just 20 minutes. Boil any short pasta shape, and make the cheesy tomato sauce while the pasta boils. Bake a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes to create a salty and cheesy sauce. Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce and serve.
For 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 add sliced garlic, red chilli flakes, mint, parsley, walnuts, whipping cream, spinach, lemon juice, bell peppers, mushrooms, asparagus, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
You can use any pasta shape you like. However, short-cut pasta works great, such as farfalle (bow-tie), fusilli, rotini, rigatoni, or penne.
