This baked feta pasta is the ultimate cozy, creamy, comforting dish—and it only takes 30 minutes. With roasted cherry tomatoes, a block of feta cheese, olive oil, garlic, and herbs, you’ll make a rich, tangy sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
This viral pasta recipe became popular for a reason—it’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s an impressive dish to serve for any occasion. Plus, it’s a great way to get your tomato and cheese fix with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta
- Super easy: Toss ingredients in the oven and bake!
- Creamy comfort: Roasted feta creates a velvety sauce.
- Flavor explosion: Tangy feta with sweet roasted tomatoes and garlic.
- Ready in 30 minutes: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves the cheesy, creamy goodness.
- Customizable: Add spinach, olives, or your favorite pasta shape.
Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta
Pasta
- Pasta (12 ounces): Penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well.
- Salt (for pasta water): Enhances flavor.
Baked Feta Sauce
- Feta cheese (1 block, 8 ounces): The creamy base of the sauce.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 cups): Roasted until soft and sweet.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Adds richness.
- Garlic cloves (4 cloves, minced): Essential for flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Season to taste.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): Optional but recommended for freshness.
Optional Add-ins
- Red pepper flakes: Add heat if you like it spicy.
- Oregano: For extra herby flavor.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
- 1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- 2. Prep the baking dish: In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Arrange cherry tomatoes around it. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
- 3. Roast the feta and tomatoes: Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden brown and softened.
- 4. Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- 5. Mix and serve: When the feta and tomatoes are done, mash them together with a spoon until creamy. Add the cooked pasta and mix until well coated. If needed, add some reserved pasta water to make the sauce silky. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Pasta
- Use a block of feta, not crumbled—this melts better into a sauce.
- Make sure your tomatoes are juicy and ripe for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the reserved pasta water—this helps the sauce come together.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach for extra greens.
- Extra cheese: Mix in mozzarella or parmesan for even cheesier sauce.
- Spicy: Add more chili flakes to heat it up!
- Vegan: Swap feta for a plant-based feta alternative and use dairy-free cream.
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
- Freezer: Not recommended as the feta sauce may separate when frozen.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Green salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
Reader Review: This was so easy and delicious. I can’t believe I haven’t made this sooner!
If you make this baked feta pasta, leave a rating and comment. What was your favorite part of the dish?