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Creamy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Dinner with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

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A simple, comforting baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil that comes together quickly with just a few ingredients, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 block (8 ounces / 225g) full-fat firm feta cheese
  • 2 cups (300g) whole cherry tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni recommended)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the block of feta in the center of a medium-sized ovenproof baking dish (about 9×13 inches). Scatter whole cherry tomatoes and minced garlic (if using) around the feta.
  3. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper over everything.
  4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the feta is soft and slightly golden and the tomatoes are bursting and blistered.
  5. While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  6. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a spoon or spatula, mash the baked feta and tomatoes together until creamy but still a bit chunky. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
  7. Toss the cooked pasta into the baking dish and mix gently to coat every piece with the creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Add the fresh basil leaves on top, give the pasta one last gentle toss, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overbake the feta; it should be soft and melty but not dried out or browned too much. Use whole cherry tomatoes to avoid watery sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add fresh basil after baking to preserve its flavor and color. Use tubular or ridged pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni for best sauce adherence.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked feta pasta, creamy pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy dinner, 5-ingredient recipe, quick pasta, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/creamy-baked-feta-pasta-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-dinner-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-basil/