One of the simplest yet most delicious pasta dishes you can prepare is the baked feta and tomato pasta. This recipe became a viral sensation for its ease and incredible taste. The combination of creamy feta cheese, sweet roasted tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta is irresistible. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this comforting dish.
Ingredients:
- 200 grams of feta cheese
- 500 grams of cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 300 grams of your favorite pasta
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
Preparing the Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This will ensure it’s hot enough to roast the tomatoes and melt the feta cheese.
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes.
- Season the Ingredients:
- Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Make sure to coat everything evenly.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper over the dish. Toss the tomatoes gently to distribute the seasonings.
Baking the Feta and Tomatoes
- Bake the Dish:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
Cooking the Pasta
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt the water generously.
- Drain the pasta and reserve some of the pasta water.
Combining the Ingredients
- Mixing the Pasta:
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven.
- Use a fork or spoon to mix the melted feta and roasted tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce. The juices from the tomatoes will blend with the feta to create a flavorful base.
- Add the Pasta:
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish with the feta and tomato mixture.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving the Dish
- Garnish and Serve:
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the pasta. The fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.
- Optionally, you can also sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
Tips for Success:
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality feta cheese and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Pasta Choice: While any pasta works for this recipe, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are great for holding the sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining. It’s a great way to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of freshness to the dish. If you don’t have basil, fresh parsley or even a bit of fresh thyme can be good alternatives.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the feta and tomatoes before baking for a spicy version.
- Vegetable Addition: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the baking dish for a more robust meal.
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon to the pasta for added protein.
Baked feta and tomato pasta is a dish that truly showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create something spectacular. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal when you want something comforting and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy feta, sweet roasted tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to satisfy. Enjoy making and indulging in this viral sensation!
