Pin it 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.
This dish always brings joy to my holiday gatherings and never fails to impress guests with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place the feta cheese block in the center of a baking dish. Arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, and onion (if using) around the feta.
- Season:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden at the edges.
- Cook pasta:
- 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.
- Mash feta and tomatoes:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a large spoon, gently mash and mix the feta with the tomatoes and garlic until creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add the hot pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed for a silky sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, topped with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
Pin it This recipe is a holiday favorite that my family eagerly looks forward to every year, making it a treasured tradition.
Notes
Pair this pasta with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or festive sparkling water for the perfect holiday beverage.
Required Tools
Oven-safe baking dish, Large pot, Strainer, Mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta, Parmesan) and wheat (pasta). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if required. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta.
Pin it This baked feta pasta comes together quickly but tastes like a festive feast, making it ideal for busy holiday evenings.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other pasta types?
Yes, short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best to hold the creamy sauce well.
- → How do I get the feta creamy?
Baking the whole block softens it, then mashing with the roasted tomatoes and garlic creates a luscious sauce.
- → Can I make this dish vegan?
Replace feta and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly version.
- → What herbs complement this pasta?
Fresh basil is ideal for garnishing, while oregano adds depth during baking.
- → How to adjust spice level?
Incorporate or omit red pepper flakes according to your preferred heat intensity.