Save to Pinterest A festive, colorful pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, cherry tomatoes, and holiday herbs, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet elegant meal.
This dish has been my go to during the holidays as it combines ease and elegance perfectly making celebrations stress free and delicious.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 200 g feta cheese block
- Vegetables: 500 g cherry tomatoes, whole 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 100 g baby spinach 1 small red bell pepper, diced Zest of 1 lemon
- Pasta: 300 g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried thyme ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional) Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center. Surround with cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss vegetables gently, keeping the feta in the center.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100 ml (about ⅓ cup) of the pasta water, then drain.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Step 7:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Step 8:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save to Pinterest My family eagerly gathers around the table when I make this pasta it has become a holiday tradition filled with warmth and joy.
Notes
For a festive touch, use tricolor cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper for extra color. Add roasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch. Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. Gluten free pasta can be substituted to make this dish gluten free.
Required Tools
Ovenproof baking dish Large pot for pasta Colander Mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pasta). For gluten free use certified gluten free pasta. Always check cheese and pasta labels for hidden allergens.
Save to Pinterest This One Pan Baked Feta Christmas Pasta is the perfect holiday dish to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best with baked feta?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and complement the texture of baked feta.
- → How do I know when the feta and tomatoes are ready?
Bake until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden and soft, typically around 25 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Feta's crumbly texture and tangy flavor are key, but similar brined cheeses like halloumi or goat cheese can be alternatives.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free varieties to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- → What herbs best enhance the baked feta pasta?
Dried oregano, thyme, and fresh basil leaves add aromatic layers of flavor that complement the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes.
- → Any tips for adding extra texture or flavor?
Adding toasted walnuts or pine nuts provides a nice crunch, while a splash of lemon zest brightens the dish.