If you have a soft spot for simple yet bursting-with-flavor meals, this Oven-Roasted Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite. Imagine juicy cherry tomatoes roasted to perfection alongside creamy, slightly melted feta, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and fresh herbs. It’s a harmony of textures and vibrant Mediterranean flavors that feels luxurious but comes together with incredibly little effort. This dish is as satisfying for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is impressive for unexpected guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating that irresistible blend of creaminess, tang, and brightness. They all come together effortlessly yet yield a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
- 12 oz pasta: Choose penne, rotini, or spaghetti for perfect sauce cling and texture.
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness intensifies when roasted, balancing the salty feta beautifully.
- 8 oz block feta cheese: The star of the dish, offering a creamy, tangy base that melts into a luscious sauce.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Adds richness and helps roast the ingredients with a silky finish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with warmth and subtle pungency.
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh): Brings an earthy, aromatic note ideal for Mediterranean flavors.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A little kick for those who love a hint of spice.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley): A fresh herbaceous finish that brightens the entire dish.
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a sparkling touch of acidity to elevate the overall flavor.
How to Make Oven-Roasted Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is just right for roasting the cherry tomatoes until they burst and the feta until it softens without drying out, creating that perfect creamy texture.
Step 2: Assemble for Baking
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and place the block of feta right in the center. Nestle the cherry tomatoes around it, creating a colorful bed. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then sprinkle on the minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes if you want some heat, and season well with salt and pepper. This simple prep sets the stage for all those incredible Mediterranean flavors to marry beautifully in the oven.
Step 3: Bake Until Burst and Melted
Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tomatoes have softened and burst, and the feta is creamy and slightly melted on top. This step transforms raw ingredients into a luscious sauce base that’s both comforting and vibrant.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente—about 10 to 12 minutes. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will be key to loosening the sauce and helping it cling to the pasta perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Everything Into a Creamy Sauce
Once out of the oven, use a fork to mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together gently, creating a creamy and chunky sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring well so every bite is coated with the luscious sauce. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water if you want a looser, silkier texture.
Step 6: Finish the Dish
For that bright, fresh finish, stir in the chopped basil. If you’d like a bit of extra zing, a tablespoon of lemon juice can really lift the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your taste, and you’re ready to dive into this sumptuous, heartwarming meal.
How to Serve Oven-Roasted Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves scattered on top add a burst of color and fresh aroma, contrasting beautifully with the creamy feta sauce. You can also sprinkle a little extra black pepper or even a few toasted pine nuts for a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to complement the richness. For a touch of indulgence, garlic bread or a warm slice of crusty baguette makes excellent companions to scoop up every last drop of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this pasta directly from the baking dish for an elegant, rustic presentation that’s perfect for sharing. For a dinner party, plating individual portions with a small drizzle of good-quality olive oil and some extra fresh herbs makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Oven-Roasted Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. If freezing, cool completely and portion into freezer-safe containers, where it will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent the pasta from drying out or becoming too soft.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Feta’s briny tang and creamy texture are essential to this recipe’s signature flavor and sauce consistency. While you could try halloumi or goat cheese, the dish won’t achieve the same balance that makes the Oven-Roasted Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe so special.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, rotini, and spaghetti all work wonderfully because they hold the sauce well. Choose your favorite shape, keeping in mind that tube or twisted pasta captures the creamy sauce inside and around each piece more effectively.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
You can swap the feta for a vegan cheese alternative that melts well, or try a rich cashew cream sauce. The roasted tomatoes and herbs still bring fantastic flavor, but the texture will be different without traditional feta.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas make great additions if you want to boost protein. Add them after roasting, just before tossing everything together.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried oregano or parsley can be fine substitutes, but fresh basil really adds a bright and aromatic note that completes the dish beautifully. If you skip fresh herbs, consider a twist of lemon zest to brighten up the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Oven-Roasted Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimum fuss, making it a perfect weeknight winner or a memorable meal to share. Its simplicity never sacrifices taste — every bite sings with the warmth of roasted tomatoes, the creaminess of melted feta, and freshness from herbs. I truly encourage you to give it a try and experience firsthand how effortless and satisfying this dish can be.
Print
Oven-Roasted Feta and Cherry Tomato Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This easy and flavorful Pasta with Feta and Cherry Tomatoes recipe combines creamy baked feta with juicy roasted cherry tomatoes and al dente pasta. The dish is enhanced with garlic, oregano, and fresh basil, creating a simple yet impressive Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
Feta and Tomato Sauce
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or parsley)
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the feta and cherry tomatoes.
- Assemble for Baking: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place the block of feta in the center. Surround it evenly with the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over the cheese and tomatoes, then sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper on top for flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta cheese softens and slightly melts into a creamy texture.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- Combine: Remove the baked feta and tomatoes from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta and burst cherry tomatoes together until a creamy sauce forms. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh basil and optional lemon juice for brightness. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta, but penne, rotini, or spaghetti work best to cling onto the creamy sauce.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of crushed chili.
- If fresh oregano is used instead of dried, use about 1 tablespoon for more vibrant flavor.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated with pasta or vegetables.
- This dish can be made vegan by substituting the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
