Description
A viral-inspired, creamy pasta dish made by baking a block of feta cheese and cherry tomatoes until they burst into a rich sauce, then tossing with penne. It’s a simple, one-dish meal that takes only 30 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225g) block of feta cheese (packed in brine)
- 1 pint (about 450g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 pound (450g) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Black pepper to taste
- Salt to taste (use sparingly)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and pour in the olive oil.
- Drain the feta block from its brine (leaving a little brine on it is recommended) and place it in the center of the baking dish.
- Pour the cherry tomatoes around the feta, filling the empty space.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes evenly over the tomatoes and feta. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes are burst and soft, and the feta is golden and bubbling.
- While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Immediately use a fork or potato masher to smash the feta and tomatoes together into a creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Add the drained pasta to the baking dish with the sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding more pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper and salt if necessary. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a full block of feta, not crumbled, for the best creamy texture. Smash the feta while it is still hot for a smooth sauce. Save the pasta water; the starch helps emulsify the sauce. Feta is salty, so taste before adding extra salt. This dish does not freeze well due to the dairy content.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving based on 6
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: baked feta pasta, easy weeknight dinner, viral recipe, creamy pasta, one pot meal, 30 minute meals, feta cheese recipe, cherry tomato pasta