Name: Feta Tomato Pasta Bake Recipe: Vibrant and Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 8 oz block of feta cheese; 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes; 8 oz dried pasta (rigatoni, penne, or farfalle); 1/4 cup olive oil; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped); Optional: Fresh basil (parsley, Parmesan); Suggested Pairings: White wine (garlic bread)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Feta Tomato Pasta Bake is a modern classic, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep. This vibrant, savory dish, featuring roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and tender pasta, delivers a rich, tangy flavor with a comforting, baked texture. Presented in a white ceramic baking dish, optionally garnished with fresh basil or parsley, this Feta Tomato Pasta Bake recipe offers a rustic, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple homemade version with minimal ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Feta Tomato Pasta Bake:

8 oz block of feta cheese
2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
8 oz dried pasta (e.g., rigatoni, penne, or farfalle)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried basil)

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh basil or parsley, grated Parmesan
Suggested Accompaniments: Garlic bread, green salad
Suggested Pairings: White wine, sparkling water
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic baking dish
Suggested Equipment: 9×13-inch baking dish, large pot, colander, mixing spoon, measuring cups/spoons, knife

Step-by-Step Process

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Ingredients: Rinse cherry tomatoes and pat dry. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Assemble Bake: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, place the feta block in the center. Surround with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. Sprinkle with garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Taste and Adjust: Taste a small piece of tomato with the seasoning mixture (before baking) and adjust with a pinch more salt, pepper, or oregano to ensure a balanced flavor.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden.
Mix Sauce: Remove from oven and stir the tomatoes and feta together to create a creamy sauce. Add chopped fresh basil (or dried basil) and stir to combine.
Combine with Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Serve: Serve directly from the white ceramic baking dish or portion onto plates. Optionally garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, white wine, or sparkling water.

Tips for Better Feta Tomato Pasta Bake

Use a block of feta (not crumbled) for the creamiest texture when melted.
Taste the seasoning mixture before baking to balance tangy, savory, and spicy flavors; adjust sparingly.
Choose sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne to hold the thick sauce.
Bake until tomatoes burst naturally to release their juices for a flavorful sauce.
Present in a white ceramic baking dish to highlight the vibrant tomatoes and creamy feta.
Make ahead: Assemble the dish (without baking) up to 1 day in advance; store in the fridge, then bake as directed.
Use fresh basil for the brightest flavor, but dried works in a pinch.
Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with fresh herbs for a rustic, colorful pop.

Variations and Customization

Gluten-Free Feta Tomato Pasta Bake: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure feta is gluten-free.
Vegan Feta Tomato Pasta Bake: Replace feta with vegan feta cheese and ensure pasta is egg-free.
Low-Sodium Feta Tomato Pasta Bake: Reduce salt to 1/4 tsp and use low-sodium feta.
Spicy Feta Tomato Pasta Bake: Increase red pepper flakes to 1 tsp or add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
Vegetable Feta Tomato Pasta Bake: Add 1 cup chopped zucchini or spinach to the baking dish with tomatoes.
Cheesy Feta Tomato Pasta Bake: Sprinkle 1/4 cup grated mozzarella over the dish in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Herbed Feta Tomato Pasta Bake: Add 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary with the oregano.
Protein-Packed Feta Tomato Pasta Bake: Stir in 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or chickpeas after baking.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
Serve warm for the best creamy, comforting texture.
Use as a standalone main dish or pair with light sides for a complete meal.
Pair with white wine or sparkling water to complement the tangy, savory flavors.
Present in a white ceramic baking dish with garnishes for a vibrant, rustic charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 4 servings (1.5 cups each):

Calories: 480 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin A: 25% Daily Value
Vitamin C: 30% Daily Value
Calcium: 25% Daily Value
Iron: 10% Daily Value

Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (vegan options reduce cholesterol). Moderate in calories; pair with light sides for balance.

Conclusion

This Feta Tomato Pasta Bake recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, transforming simple ingredients into a comforting favorite. Its easy preparation and rustic presentation make it a go-to. The creamy feta and burst tomatoes delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing Mediterranean charm.