Pin It A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet irresistible meal.
I've always enjoyed how the warm baked feta melts perfectly into the tomatoes creating a luscious sauce that's both comforting and fresh.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Short pasta (e.g. penne fusilli or rigatoni): 300 g
- Kalamata olives: 100 g pitted halved
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Fresh basil leaves: to serve
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place the feta block in the center of a baking dish Surround it with cherry tomatoes and olives
- Add seasonings:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil Sprinkle with minced garlic oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) Season with salt and pepper
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water then drain
- Mash feta and tomatoes:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together mixing well to create a creamy sauce
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish tossing to coat If needed add reserved pasta water a little at a time for a silkier sauce
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately
Pin It This dish quickly became a family favorite especially during busy weeknights when we need something easy and delicious.
Notes
Excellent wine pairing: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé
Required Tools
Baking dish Large pot Colander Mixing spoon or fork Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (feta cheese) Wheat (pasta unless gluten-free variety is used) If using pre-pitted olives check for potential nut contamination Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies
Pin It This simple yet flavorful recipe is perfect for those seeking comfort food with a Mediterranean twist.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and complement the baked ingredients.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with your preferred gluten-free variety without changing the cooking method.
- → How do the flavors develop during baking?
Baking softens the feta and bursts the tomatoes, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce infused with garlic, olives, and herbs.
- → Is it possible to add greens to this dish?
Yes, baby spinach or arugula can be stirred in after baking for added freshness and texture.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé complements the vibrant Mediterranean flavors beautifully.