Baked Feta Pasta: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

Description

This is the famous Baked Feta Pasta that completely took over the internet, and for a good reason! With just a handful of simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep time, you can create a rich, creamy, and comforting pasta dish that tastes like it took hours to make. Sweet cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese are roasted together until bubbly and caramelized, then mashed to create a magical, savory sauce. Tossed with your favorite pasta and fresh basil, this foolproof recipe is the ultimate lazy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 pints (about 20 oz) cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
• 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 10 oz pasta (cavatappi, penne, or macaroni)
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prep the Tomatoes: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle with about 1/4 cup of the olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are well coated.
3. Add the Feta: Make a small space in the center of the baking dish and place the block of feta cheese right in the middle. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top of the feta and sprinkle with the crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the tomatoes have completely burst and the feta is soft, melty, and lightly golden brown on top.
5. Boil the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
6. Mash the Sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, immediately mash the softened feta and the roasted tomatoes together. Stir well until they combine into a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Combine: Add the cooked pasta into the baking dish with the sauce. Toss gently until all the pasta is evenly coated.
8. Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh chopped basil, give it one final stir, and serve warm. Enjoy!