Save A festive, colorful pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, cherry tomatoes, and holiday herbs, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet elegant meal.
This pasta quickly became our holiday favorite because of its vibrant colors and delicious comfort.
Ingredients
- Feta Cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g whole
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Red onion: 1 small thinly sliced
- Baby spinach: 100 g
- Red bell pepper: 1 small diced
- Lemon zest: Zest of 1 lemon
- Short pasta: 300 g (penne fusilli or rigatoni)
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Dried thyme: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): ½ tsp
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish): 2 tbsp torn
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish place the feta cheese block in the center Surround with cherry tomatoes red onion red bell pepper and garlic.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta Sprinkle with dried oregano thyme red pepper flakes (if using) salt and black pepper Toss vegetables gently keeping the feta in the center.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 100 ml (about ⅓ cup) of the pasta water then drain.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Step 7:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Step 8:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save This dish is a staple at our holiday dinners because it always brings everyone together around the table.
Notes
For a festive touch use tricolor cherry tomatoes and red bell pepper for extra color Add roasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Required Tools
Ovenproof baking dish Large pot for pasta Colander Mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pasta) For gluten-free use certified gluten-free pasta Always check cheese and pasta labels for hidden allergens.
Save This one-pan baked feta pasta is the perfect holiday meal that is both simple and full of flavor.
Common Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta varieties like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work well, holding the creamy sauce effectively.
- → Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta without altering the flavors.
- → Is it possible to add extra crunch to the meal?
For added texture, roasted walnuts or pine nuts can be sprinkled on top before serving.
- → How do the herbs enhance the dish?
Dried oregano and thyme provide earthy, aromatic notes that complement the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes beautifully.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc matches the dish’s fresh and creamy flavors perfectly.