Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Introduction: Baked Feta Pasta became a viral sensation after being popularized on social media, particularly during the early days of the pandemic. This delicious and easy recipe features creamy feta cheese, sweet tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, all baked together to create a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for coating pasta. The simplicity and richness of the dish make it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal effort, you can make a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
The History of Ingredients:
- Feta Cheese: Feta is a brined curd cheese originating from Greece, traditionally made from sheep’s or goat’s milk. It has a crumbly texture and a tangy, salty flavor that pairs well with fresh vegetables, meats, and grains. Feta is an iconic component of Mediterranean cuisine and is often used in salads, pastries, and sauces.
- Pasta: Pasta is one of the cornerstones of Italian cooking, with an extensive variety of shapes and sizes. It’s made primarily from durum wheat semolina and water, and sometimes eggs. Pasta is known for being an affordable and versatile food, acting as the base for countless types of sauces, from simple marinara to creamy Alfredo.
- Tomatoes: Tomatoes are native to South America but became a key ingredient in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine after their introduction to Europe. Their sweet yet slightly acidic flavor balances rich dishes and forms the foundation for many sauces.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a staple of Mediterranean cooking, known for its heart-healthy fats and rich, fruity flavor. It’s used for sautéing, drizzling over dishes, and in dressings. Extra virgin olive oil, in particular, is prized for its flavor and nutritional benefits.
- Garlic and Herbs: Garlic adds a savory depth to dishes, especially when it’s sautéed or roasted. Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme are common in Mediterranean dishes, adding aromatic freshness and vibrant flavors that complement feta and tomatoes.
Breakdown of Ingredients:
- Feta Cheese: The main ingredient that transforms into a creamy, rich sauce when baked with tomatoes and olive oil.
- Pasta: Typically, short pasta like penne or rigatoni is used, but you can use any variety.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes work best as they roast well and provide a burst of sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Helps to create a smooth, luscious sauce and adds flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the overall taste with a subtle, aromatic punch.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried basil, thyme, or oregano are common, providing Mediterranean flavor.
- Optional Toppings: Red pepper flakes (for spice), Parmesan cheese (for extra creaminess and flavor), or fresh basil (for garnish).
Step-by-Step Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or fresh if preferred)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround the feta with the halved cherry tomatoes. Add the minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss the tomatoes to coat them evenly with the olive oil and seasoning.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the feta is soft and golden around the edges, and the tomatoes have burst and become tender.
- Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package directions. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the feta and tomatoes are baked, remove the dish from the oven. Use a spoon or fork to break up the feta and mix it with the tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss it to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Serve: Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of fresh basil, red pepper flakes, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Feta Pasta:
- Use High-Quality Feta: The flavor of the feta cheese is crucial to the sauce. Opt for good-quality feta, ideally from Greece, as it’s creamier and has a more authentic flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Tomatoes: Roasting the tomatoes just until they burst helps them release their juices without turning into mush. This creates a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can stir in a little cream or use full-fat feta for a smoother, creamier result.
- Pasta Water: Adding reserved pasta water can help thicken the sauce and ensure it adheres to the pasta better.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes in with the garlic and oregano or top the dish with extra flakes at the end.
Variations and Customizations:
- Vegetarian: The original recipe is already vegetarian, but you can add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers to the dish for more flavor and texture.
- Protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even meatballs for added protein. For a plant-based option, consider adding grilled tofu or chickpeas.
- Herb Variations: While oregano is traditional, fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary can also work wonderfully in this dish, depending on your flavor preference.
- Gluten-Free: To make the dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free feta cheese alternative made from plant-based ingredients, or omit the feta entirely and make a tomato-based sauce with a bit of coconut cream for richness.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value:
- Calories: This dish is calorie-dense, mainly due to the feta cheese and olive oil. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of olive oil or opt for a reduced-fat feta.
- Carbohydrates: Pasta is a significant source of carbohydrates. You can reduce the carb content by using whole grain pasta or substituting pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Protein: Feta provides some protein, but it is a relatively low source compared to meat. Adding a protein like chicken or shrimp can help balance the meal.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a source of heart-healthy fats, contributing to the Mediterranean-style benefits of this dish.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Tomatoes are high in vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, which promote heart and skin health. Garlic adds additional health benefits, such as boosting immune function.
FAQ:
1. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, while feta is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor.
2. Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the feta and tomato base in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready. You can also cook the pasta ahead of time, just keep it separate and combine it with the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I freeze baked feta pasta? While pasta dishes with creamy sauces can sometimes freeze well, the texture of the feta may change slightly upon reheating. If you plan to freeze it, bake the feta and tomato base, and freeze that separately from the cooked pasta. When reheating, combine them together and enjoy.
4. Can I use dried tomatoes instead of fresh? You can use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense, tangy flavor. Rehydrate them in warm water before using and mix them into the sauce.
5. Can I make this dish without pasta? Yes, you can turn this baked feta and tomato dish into a low-carb option by skipping the pasta and serving it over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or even as a side dish with grilled meats or veggies.
Enjoy your Baked Feta Pasta — a creamy, comforting, and customizable dish that’s sure to become a favorite!
BAKED FETA PASTA RECIPE
Baked Feta Pasta became a viral sensation after being popularized on social media, particularly during the early days of the pandemic. This delicious and easy recipe features creamy feta cheese, sweet tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, all baked together to create a luscious, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for coating pasta. The simplicity and richness of the dish make it a go-to for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With minimal effort, you can make a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
Ingredients
- 200 g feta
- 350 g de pâtes sèches
- 300 g de tomates cerises
- Poivre
- Sel
- 1 gousse d’ail
- 1 cuillère à soupe d’Herbes de Provence
- 1 pincée de piment séché
- Huile d’olive
Instructions
- Préchauffez le four à 175 °C.
- Dans un plat en verre, placez la feta au centre. Lavez les tomates cerises et ajoutez-les. Ajoutez du poivre, les herbes de Provence et le piment séché. Pressez la gousse d’ail avec un presse-ail. Ajoutez un filet d’huile d’olive.
- Faites cuire pendant 30 minutes au four.
- Pendant ce temps, faites cuire les pâtes. À la fin de la cuisson, prélevez une louche (12 cl) d’eau des pâtes.
- Égouttez les pâtes, ajoutez-les à la feta avec l’eau des pâtes prélevée et mélangez bien. Salez et poivrez à nouveau si nécessaire. Servez chaud.