Ingredients
- 8 oz (1 block) Feta Cheese
- 2 pints Cherry Tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 4–6 Garlic Cloves (peeled and left whole or smashed)
- 1 lb Pasta (Penne or Fusilli)
- 1/2 cup Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the heat is consistent enough to roast the tomatoes effectively.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large glass or ceramic baking dish.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the block of feta in the dish to ensure even heat distribution.
- Drizzle the olive oil liberally over the tomatoes and the feta, ensuring everything is lightly coated for moisture.
- Add the fresh garlic cloves into the gaps between the tomatoes to infuse the oil with aromatic complexity.
- Bake the mixture for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tomatoes have completely burst and the cheese edges turn golden.
- Prepare your chosen pasta in a separate pot of salted water until it reaches the desired al dente texture.
- Mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together with a large fork to form a uniform, creamy sauce inside the baking dish.
- Toss the drained cooked pasta directly into the baking dish, coating every piece thoroughly with the sauce.
- Stir in fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a bright, herbal finish to your viral baked feta pasta recipe.
Notes
Use pasta water by reserving a half cup before draining; adding this starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce for a smoother texture. Ensure you use a block of feta in brine because it contains less fat than dry blocks and melts much more reliably. Bake the dish until the tomatoes are deeply wrinkled and the skins have started to char, as this intensifies the sweetness. Season the finished dish with freshly cracked black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes to balance the richness if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
