Dinner

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

ByHugo Harnd February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish combining roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a delicious meal that comes together quickly and makes a beautiful presentation for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

A white bowl filled with one layer of small, round orecchiette pasta in a creamy orange sauce mixed with chunks of roasted red tomatoes and bits of green herbs sprinkled on top, all sitting on a white marbled surface with part of a white dish of similar pasta visible to the side and a silver fork nearby, a beige textured cloth also at the edge of the frame, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound (450g) cherry tomatoes
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
8-ounce (225g) block feta cheese
½ teaspoon chili flakes
8 ounces (225g) dried pasta of choice
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
¼ cup basil (packed, chopped, plus more for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 395°F (200°C).
Step 2: In a baking or cast-iron dish, add cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
Step 3: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle chili flakes, salt, and pepper over the feta.
Step 4: Bake for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and burst. While baking, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 5: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the minced garlic and chopped basil leaves to the dish.
Step 6: Using a spoon or fork, mix the feta with the tomatoes and gently mash some tomatoes to release their juices. Taste the sauce and add sugar if it tastes too acidic.
Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the dish and stir until the pasta is well coated in the sauce. If the sauce feels thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it as needed.
Step 8: Garnish with extra chopped basil and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free or whole wheat pasta to suit your dietary needs.
Add cooked spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra vegetables and texture.
Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level, or omit for a milder flavor.
For a smoky twist, sprinkle smoked paprika over the feta before baking.

Storage

Store leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

The dish shows a white baking dish filled with orecchiette pasta coated in a creamy orange sauce, with visible pieces of cooked red tomatoes mixed throughout. The pasta is garnished with small bits of chopped green herbs, scattered evenly on top. The sauce looks rich and slightly thick, clinging to each piece of pasta. A silver spoon is placed inside the dish, resting on the lower left corner. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Feta’s crumbly texture and tangy flavor are key to this dish, but you can experiment with similar cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta salata. Keep in mind that melting and taste may vary.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Yes, reserving pasta water is helpful to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. The starchy water also helps the sauce cling better to the pasta for a creamier texture.