Baked Feta Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes

Name: Baked Feta Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli); 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 block (8 ounces) of feta cheese; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh basil for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Kitchen Staples

I absolutely love making Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, especially when I want a comforting meal that's quick and easy. The blend of melted feta and juicy tomatoes creates a luscious sauce that clings to every pasta strand. I often prepare this dish on busy weeknights, allowing the oven to do most of the work while I chop some fresh herbs and prepare a simple salad. It's this perfect harmony of flavors that makes our family gather around the table eagerly, waiting to dig in!

Created by

Phoebe Drake

Last updated on 2026-02-08T08:13:36.722Z

When I first stumbled upon the recipe for Baked Feta Pasta, I was intrigued by the simplicity and the promise of flavor. I decided to try it out one evening, using fresh cherry tomatoes from the farmers' market. The aroma of the tomatoes roasting with the feta was absolutely divine, and I couldn't wait to taste how this unlikely combination transformed into a creamy sauce.

As I served the pasta, I noticed how beautifully the feta melted, creating a sauce that perfectly coated the pasta with every bite. My tip for you is to let the feta get slightly golden on top for a deeper flavor. I believe that this dish has quickly become one of our family's favorites, and it’s now a staple in our weekly meal planning!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy feta cheese transforms into a delightful sauce
Bursting with the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes
Simple ingredients come together for a comforting meal

The Magic of Feta

Feta cheese plays a starring role in this Baked Feta Pasta, lending both creaminess and a tangy flavor to the dish. As it bakes, the feta softens, creating a luscious sauce that infuses the pasta with a rich and savory essence. Ensure you use high-quality feta for the best results; local artisan varieties often have a creamier texture and fuller flavor compared to mass-produced options.

If you're looking to get extra creative, consider experimenting with flavored feta cheeses, such as herbed or spicy varieties, to add a new dimension to the dish. These can enhance the flavor profile while keeping the overall preparation straightforward. Just keep in mind that if your feta is saltier than usual, you may want to adjust the salt levels in the rest of the recipe.

Perfect Pasta Texture

Choosing the right type of pasta is crucial for this dish. Penne and fusilli are excellent choices because their shapes hold onto the sauce incredibly well. Cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to absorb the flavors from the sauce once mixed. A cooking time of 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your pasta type, typically achieves this ideal texture.

Remember to reserve that cup of pasta water! It’s a key ingredient for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. The starchy water will help bind the sauce to the pasta—adding a little at a time ensures you won’t end up with a soupy dish. Stir gently to combine, and you'll see the sauce transform into a silky coating that clings beautifully to each piece of pasta.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Pasta

12 ounces of pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 block (8 ounces) of feta cheese
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

Instructions

Preparation Steps:

Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish.

Bake the Dish

Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden on top.

Cook the Pasta

While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Combine Everything

Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and stir the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve

Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy your delicious Baked Feta Pasta!

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat!

Make-Ahead Tips

If you're short on time, you can prep the feta and tomato mixture a day in advance. Combine everything in the baking dish, cover, and store in the fridge. When you're ready to cook, simply pop it in the oven; there’s no need to bring it to room temperature first since it will heat through just fine from cold.

You can also cook extra pasta in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. When you're ready to serve, combine it with the baked feta and tomatoes, adding a dash of the reserved pasta water to rejuvenate.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover Baked Feta Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to the dish to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a little more pasta water if necessary to revive the sauce's creaminess.

If you want to freeze Baked Feta Pasta, do so before baking it. Assemble the dish in an airtight freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. To cook from frozen, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is bubbly.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While feta is traditional, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor.

→ Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based feta cheese alternative and choose your favorite pasta that fits a vegan diet.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers can be great additions to boost the nutrition and flavor.