Baked feta pasta is the viral dinner that proves simple ingredients can feel like a showstopper. A block of feta and a pile of cherry tomatoes roast in olive oil until the tomatoes burst and the cheese turns soft and creamy.
This viral baked feta pasta with cherry tomatoes needs only a handful of ingredients and almost no effort. It is an easy tomato and feta pasta that works for weeknights, guests, or lazy Sundays.
Recipe at a Glance
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Category | Dinner / Pasta |
Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta
- Only a handful of ingredients and 10 minutes of prep
- Creates its own creamy tomato sauce in the oven
- Naturally vegetarian and easy to customize
- Looks impressive with almost no effort
- Great for feeding a crowd
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
- 1 pound cherry tomatoes
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil, for serving
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Add the cherry tomatoes to a 9×13-inch baking dish and nestle the block of feta in the center.
- Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and golden.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving 1 cup of the cooking water before draining.
- Mash the feta and tomatoes into a sauce, toss with the pasta, loosen with pasta water as needed, and top with basil.
Tips for the Best Easy Tomato and Feta Pasta
- Use a block of feta in brine, not pre-crumbled, for the creamiest texture.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Mash everything thoroughly to create a silky sauce.
- Use the starchy pasta water to loosen and bind the sauce.
- Finish with lemon zest or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Variations to Try: Baked Feta Pasta Add-Ins
- Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken or Italian sausage.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Add Kalamata olives or roasted red peppers.
How to Store It
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, but the texture of the feta may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked feta pasta without a block of feta?
You can use crumbled feta, but a whole block gives the creamiest, most traditional result.
What pasta is best for baked feta pasta?
Short shapes with ridges like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the chunky sauce well.
Can I use regular tomatoes for baked feta pasta?
Yes, but cherry or grape tomatoes burst and sweeten best. If using larger tomatoes, chop them and bake a few minutes longer.
Can I make baked feta pasta ahead of time?
You can roast the feta and tomatoes up to a day ahead and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Step 2: Add the tomatoes to a baking dish and nestle the feta in the center.
- Step 3: Drizzle with the olive oil and sprinkle with the garlic and seasonings.
- Step 4: Bake 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden.
- Step 5: Cook the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.
- Step 6: Mash the feta and tomatoes, toss with the pasta, and loosen with pasta water.
- Tip: Add the water a splash at a time.
Notes
Add spinach or cooked chicken for a heartier meal.