Save A festive, creamy pasta dish featuring oven-roasted feta, bursting cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a snowy sprinkle of grated Parmesan, perfect for a holiday table.
Ingredients
- Cheese & Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) feta cheese block, 60 g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) cherry tomatoes, mixed colors preferred, 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional), Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Pantry: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni), 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish. Arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion (if using) around the feta.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a large spoon, gently mash and mix the feta with the tomatoes and garlic until creamy.
- Step 7:
- Add the hot pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately, topped with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Save Notes
For a vegan version, use plant based feta and omit Parmesan or use a vegan alternative Add baby spinach or roasted red peppers for extra color Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or festive sparkling water
Required Tools
Oven safe baking dish Large pot Strainer Mixing spoon
Nutritional Information
Calories 510 Total Fat 20 g Carbohydrates 62 g Protein 19 g
Save Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta varieties like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and are recommended.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the roasted feta and tomatoes, but you can prep ingredients in advance.
- → How do I achieve the creamy sauce consistency?
Mash the baked feta and tomatoes together before tossing with hot pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed for silkiness.
- → Are there any suitable substitutions for dairy?
Plant-based feta and vegan Parmesan alternatives can be used to make a dairy-free version.
- → What flavors complement this pasta dish?
Garlic, dried oregano, and fresh basil enhance the Mediterranean profile, while red pepper flakes add mild heat if desired.