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For Baked Feta Pasta, you will need: - 200g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your preferred shape) - 200g block of feta cheese - 300g cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 3 cloves of garlic, minced - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick) - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes, as their sweetness shines in this dish. Look for feta cheese that is creamy, not crumbly. A good block of feta melts better into the sauce. When selecting pasta, pick a brand you trust. Fresh pasta cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. Penne and rigatoni are the best choices for this recipe. Their hollow shapes hold the creamy sauce well. You can also try fusilli or farfalle for fun shapes. Each will provide a delightful bite with every forkful. Whatever you choose, make sure the pasta cooks to an al dente texture for the best results. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This helps cook the dish evenly. In a large baking dish, combine 300g of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced red bell pepper, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over these veggies. Season with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Toss everything gently to coat the vegetables well. Create a space in the center of your dish. Place a 200g block of feta cheese there. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta. Bake the dish in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for blistered tomatoes and soft, golden feta. The aroma will be amazing. While the feta and veggies bake, cook 200g of your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for an al dente texture. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. When the baking time is up, take the dish out of the oven. Using a fork, gently mash the baked feta and mix it with the blistered tomatoes and peppers. This creates a creamy sauce. Now add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the pasta hot. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves for added color and flavor. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To get the best texture, use a block of feta cheese. When it bakes, it becomes soft and creamy. The tomatoes also burst and add sweetness. For the pasta, cook it just until it is al dente. This means it should have a little bite to it. Mixing it with the creamy sauce will help it absorb flavors without getting mushy. Taste is key in this dish. When you mix the veggies, add salt and pepper. Start with a little, then add more if needed. The feta will add saltiness, so be careful. If you love spice, add red pepper flakes. This gives a nice kick, but use it based on your taste. Fresh basil at the end will add a burst of flavor. Mixing well is important for even flavor. After baking, use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. Make sure to mix in the pasta thoroughly. You want every piece coated in the sauce. If it looks dry, add a splash of olive oil. This helps bring everything together and makes it shiny. {{image_4}} You can swap some ingredients in this recipe to mix things up. Try using different cheese, like goat cheese or ricotta, for a new taste. You can also use zucchini or spinach instead of bell pepper. This keeps the dish fresh and fun! For a vegetarian twist, keep the feta, but add more veggies. You can use mushrooms, asparagus, or even artichokes. If you want a vegan dish, replace the feta with a plant-based cheese. There are many great options that taste just as good! If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños. You can also toss in a dash of smoked paprika for a warm, earthy flavor. For a zesty kick, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish before serving. These small changes can make a big difference! To store your Baked Feta Pasta, let it cool first. Once it cools, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 175°C (350°F). Place the pasta in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes. If you use a microwave, heat it in short bursts of 1-2 minutes. Stir it well between each burst. This helps warm it evenly. Baked Feta Pasta tastes best fresh but can last in the fridge for three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Store it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can use any pasta shape you like. I prefer penne or rigatoni. They hold sauce well. You can also try fusilli or farfalle for fun shapes. Just make sure to cook it al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Yes, you can! If you want a milder flavor, try goat cheese. For a creamier taste, use ricotta. Just remember that feta gives a unique salty taste. So, pick cheese that you enjoy. Absolutely! Baked Feta Pasta is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes good for up to three days. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good options available today. Look for pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. They work well in this recipe. Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool completely first. Then, store it in a freezer-safe container. It lasts up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat. You can serve this dish with a simple green salad. A side of garlic bread also pairs well. For a light option, try steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini. These sides balance the creamy pasta nicely. In this blog post, we explored how to make Baked Feta Pasta, from choosing the right ingredients to serving suggestions. I shared tips for the best texture and flavors. Remember, you can swap in various ingredients to suit your taste, including vegetarian and vegan options. Proper storage ensures your leftovers last longer. Try this dish for your next meal, and enjoy its rich flavors. It's simple yet satisfying, perfect for any occasion. Happy cooking!

Baked Feta Pasta

Discover the mouthwatering Baked Feta Pasta Delight that's taking taste buds by storm! This easy and delicious dish combines creamy feta, roasted cherry tomatoes, and vibrant peppers for a flavor explosion. Perfect for a hearty dinner or a cozy night in, it's simple to prepare and ready in just 40 minutes. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and make mealtime unforgettable! Your family will love it!
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Ingredients
  

200g pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your preferred shape)

200g block of feta cheese

300g cherry tomatoes, halved

1 red bell pepper, diced

3 cloves of garlic, minced

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F).

    In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture and season it with salt, black pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss everything together gently until the vegetables are evenly coated.

      Create a space in the center of the vegetable mixture and place the block of feta cheese in this area. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta block to enhance its flavor.

        Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and golden, releasing delicious aromas.

          While the feta and vegetable medley are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

            When the baking dish is finished baking, remove it from the oven. Using a fork, gently mash the feta cheese and mix it with the blistered tomatoes and peppers to create a creamy sauce.

              Add the cooked pasta into the baking dish and toss all ingredients together thoroughly until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if required.

                To serve, dish out the pasta while it’s hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor, and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if you desire.

                  - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4