lazy girl’s feta pasta bake (Print Version)

Creamy feta and tangy tomatoes meld with pasta for an effortless, flavorful Mediterranean main.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni

→ Bake Base

02 - 7 oz block feta cheese
03 - 1 lb cherry tomatoes
04 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - Sea salt, to taste

→ To Finish

10 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
11 - Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F and allow it to preheat fully.
02 - Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large ovenproof baking dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the feta.
03 - Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle with minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes if desired, salt, and pepper.
04 - Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is lightly golden and soft.
05 - Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Season with salt and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
06 - Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the softened feta and tomatoes together, forming a creamy mixture.
07 - Add the drained pasta to the baking dish. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
08 - Fold in torn basil leaves and lemon zest if desired for extra brightness.
09 - Serve warm, garnished with additional basil leaves.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Cooked with one pan for almost zero mess
  • Relies on basic ingredients you probably have on hand
  • Prep is just five minutes for a nostress meal
  • The tomatoes get sweet and juicy in the oven while the feta melts into a rich tangy sauce
  • Ready in around 40 minutes start to finish
02 -
  • Rich source of protein and calcium
  • Perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining
  • Easily made vegetarian or vegan with a feta substitute
03 -
  • Letting your feta warm up a bit before baking creates an even creamier melt
  • Do not skimp on the olive oil since it really draws out maximum flavor
  • Added lemon zest brightens the whole dish at the end
  • Even if you are tempted do not skip tossing the pasta well in the sauce that is what makes every bite so luscious

Return