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 recipe quickly became a holiday favorite in my family, bringing everyone together around the dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes, whole: 500 g
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Red onion, thinly sliced: 1 small
- Baby spinach: 100 g
- Red bell pepper, diced: 1 small
- Zest of 1 lemon:
- Short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni): 300 g
- 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, torn (for garnish): 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ (400℉)
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a large ovenproof baking dish and surround with cherry tomatoes red onion red bell pepper and garlic
- Add seasonings:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta Sprinkle with dried oregano thyme crushed red pepper flakes if using salt and black pepper Toss vegetables gently keeping the feta in the center
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft
- Cook pasta:
- 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
- Add spinach and zest:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce
- Adjust seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm
Save This dish always sparks joy and conversation at family gatherings especially during the holiday season when everyone is busy but wants a home cooked meal
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing pairing
Variations
Substitute feta with goat cheese for a tangier flavor or add olives for a Mediterranean twist
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days Reheat gently on the stove or microwave
Save This One Pan Baked Feta Christmas Pasta is a perfect blend of ease and flavor making your holiday meal effortless and delicious
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and are ideal for this dish.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Feta's crumbly and tangy texture is essential, but halloumi or goat cheese can be used for variation, keeping in mind different melting properties.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta to accommodate gluten-free diets without altering flavor significantly.
- → Is it possible to prepare this meal ahead of time?
You can assemble the ingredients in the baking dish and refrigerate briefly, but baking and stirring with pasta is best done fresh for optimal texture.
- → What herbs complement the flavors in this dish?
Dried oregano and thyme add earthiness, while fresh basil garnish brings a bright, aromatic finish enhancing the Mediterranean profile.