If you need an easy dinner that tastes like something from a restaurant, this Baked Feta Pasta is it. The roasted cherry tomatoes burst into the creamiest sauce while the feta melts perfectly into the pasta. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and fresh basil and it turns into one of those recipes you end up making over and over again.
It’s simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours cooking.
✨ Scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients and instructions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make
- Minimal prep work
- Creamy and flavorful
- Uses simple ingredients
- Perfect weeknight dinner
- Easily customizable
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cavatappi pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Block feta cheese
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh basil
- Italian seasoning
- Red chili flakes
- Salt & pepper
How To Make Baked Feta Pasta
1. Prep the baking dish
Add the cherry tomatoes to a baking dish and pour the olive oil over top. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes.
2. Add the feta
Place the feta block in the center of the tomatoes and coat it in the seasoning mixture.
3. Bake
Bake until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft and creamy.
4. Cook the pasta
While the feta bakes, cook the pasta until al dente and reserve a little pasta water.
5. Mix everything together
Add garlic and fresh basil to the hot feta and tomatoes, then stir until creamy. Toss in the pasta and mix until fully coated.
6. Serve
Top with more basil and enjoy warm!
Tips For The Best Baked Feta Pasta
- Use a block of feta, not crumbled feta
- Fresh basil makes a huge difference
- Reserve pasta water to help make the sauce extra creamy
- Add extra red chili flakes if you like spice
- Roast the tomatoes until they fully burst for the best flavor
Variations
Want to switch it up? Try adding:
- Cooked chicken
- Italian sausage
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Parmesan cheese
- Crushed red pepper
- Shrimp
What To Serve With Baked Feta Pasta
This pasta pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Crispy chicken cutlets
- Homemade focaccia
Baked Cherry Tomato Feta Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to a baking dish. Pour olive oil over the tomatoes and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Toss to coat.
- Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish surrounded by the tomatoes. Flip the feta a couple times in the oil and seasoning.
- Bake for 35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and melty.
- While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately stir in the minced garlic and chopped basil.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until creamy and combined. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with extra basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you like.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Adjust red chili flakes depending on your spice preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, bowties, rotini, or spaghetti all work great.
Can I make this less spicy?
Absolutely. Just reduce or leave out the red chili flakes.
Do I have to use feta cheese?
Feta gives this recipe its signature flavor, but goat cheese or Boursin can work too.
Can I add protein?
Yes! Chicken, sausage, and shrimp are all delicious additions.
How To Store & Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Can You Freeze Baked Feta Pasta?
You can, but the texture of the feta sauce may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and reheat gently.
So quick and delicious!