lazy girl’s feta pasta bake

This creamy feta pasta bake is my goto when I want something comforting without much fuss With just a handful of ingredients and a single baking dish you get a quick Mediterraneaninspired dinner loaded with flavor and minimal cleanup

I crave this whenever life gets busy The first time I tried it I never imagined such a simple combo could taste so indulgent and fresh Now it is always in my weeknight dinner rotation

Ingredients

• Pasta: Choose a short type like penne fusilli or rigatoni for the best texture and sauce hold
• Block feta cheese: Aim for a firm block for a silkier sauce Texture is much better than precrumbled feta
• Cherry tomatoes: Look for ripe juicy ones and try mixed colors for extra sweetness and visual pop
• Extravirgin olive oil: High quality oil brings out the flavors and helps everything roast
• Fresh garlic: Adds depth Use plump firm cloves for the best aroma
• Dried oregano: Brings that classic Mediterranean note
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For gentle heat This is optional
• Freshly ground black pepper: Lifts and brightens every component
• Sea salt: Enhances natural flavors Use flaked or kosher for easy seasoning
• Fresh basil leaves: Always opt for fragrant vibrant leaves for the freshest finish
• Lemon zest: Optional but it really perks things up and should be from an unwaxed lemon

Instructions

Prepare and Preheat:

Set your oven to 200 Celsius or 400 Fahrenheit right away so it has time to heat up

Arrange in the Dish:

Place the feta block in the middle of a large ovenproof dish Tuck the cherry tomatoes all around so they roast evenly

Season and Oil:

Drizzle the olive oil over everything Sprinkle on garlic oregano red pepper flakes salt and pepper making sure to coat both cheese and tomatoes

Bake Until Bubbly:

Put the dish on the center rack and bake for about thirty to thirtyfive minutes You want tomatoes that are just bursting and the feta looking slightly golden and soft

Cook the Pasta:

While baking bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook pasta to al dente following the package instructions Reserve about half a cup of cooking water before draining

Mash into Sauce:

When the baking is done use a fork to mash up the feta and tomatoes in the dish Keep mashing and stirring until you have a creamy speckled sauce

Combine with Pasta:

Add drained pasta directly into the sauce Toss it all together until every noodle is coated If the sauce seems thick trickle in the reserved water little by little

Finish with Basil and Lemon:

Throw in torn basil leaves and lemon zest if you are using it Fold them through for a burst of color and flavor

Serve:

Spoon the pasta into bowls Serve while piping hot Garnish with more basil for extra aroma

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My favorite part of this bake is always the roasted burst tomatoes With each bite you get little juicy pockets of sweetness tangled with salty rich feta My family likes to gather at the table and scoop straight from the baking dish Sometimes we barely bother with plates

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to three days Refrigerate soon after cooling When reheating add a splash of water or milk and cover to return creaminess without drying out

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap out feta for a vegan alternative if you are dairyfree Goat cheese gives a tangy twist Try different shapes of short pasta or glutenfree varieties if needed If cherry tomatoes are out of season grape tomatoes or even canned whole tomatoes drained work in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

This pasta shines on its own but it can be dressed up further Pair with crusty warm bread for dipping A splash of white wine makes it dinner party ready A simple salad with cucumber and olives always rounds things out beautifully

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Baked feta pasta is always a crowdpleaser It is easy to adapt for any season or dietary need so make it your own and enjoy every creamy bite

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, goat cheese or a vegan feta alternative can work well, though flavor and texture may differ slightly.

→ Which pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni holds the sauce best and creates a satisfying bite.

→ Can I add extra vegetables to the bake?

Absolutely. Try adding baby spinach or sliced olives before baking for more depth and flavor.

→ How can I make the dish creamier?

Reserve some pasta water and add it when combining pasta with the baked feta and tomatoes for a silkier sauce.

→ What wine pairs well with this meal?

A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy and tangy flavors beautifully.

→ Is it suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, this main is vegetarian as written, but ensure cheese and pasta ingredients meet dietary needs.