Imagine diving into a bowl of luscious, tangy, and utterly comforting pasta that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe brings together the juiciest cherry tomatoes, the salty creaminess of feta, and perfectly al dente pasta in a way that’s both simple and unforgettable. Every bite bursts with roasted goodness, fresh basil brightness, and that rich, dreamy sauce you’ll want to savor until the very last noodle. If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to whip up but fancy enough to impress, this one’s absolutely a must-try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this incredible Creamy Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Each one is essential, adding layers of flavor, silky texture, or gorgeous color that make this dish pop off the plate.
- Feta block: One whole block delivers the rich, salty creaminess that defines the sauce’s irresistible texture.
- Cherry tomatoes: Two pints of these little gems roast down to a juicy, slightly caramelized sweetness.
- Olive oil: Three tablespoons for that glossy finish and to help everything roast beautifully.
- Pasta: Eight ounces, cooked perfectly al dente to hold the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
- Garlic: Four cloves minced finely to infuse the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Fresh basil: One bunch torn or chopped, brightening every forkful with herbal freshness.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is key to getting those cherry tomatoes to burst perfectly and the feta to soften into a creamy dream. While the oven warms, get your cherry tomatoes rinsed and ready to spread in a baking dish.
Step 2: Assemble for Roasting
Arrange the cherry tomatoes evenly in your baking dish and place the entire block of feta right in the center. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the top, making sure to coat both the cheese and tomatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic and a pinch of salt around, setting the stage for the flavors to meld beautifully as they roast.
Step 3: Roast to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst open, releasing their natural juices, and the feta has softened into a luscious, creamy texture that practically begs to be stirred into pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While your tomatoes and feta roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions, aiming for al dente. This bite is essential — you want just enough firmness to complement the silky sauce without getting lost in it.
Step 5: Combine and Mash
Remove the roasted tomatoes and feta from the oven, then use a fork or wooden spoon to mash everything together until it forms a creamy, slightly chunky sauce. Stir the hot pasta directly into this heavenly mixture, ensuring every strand of pasta is thoroughly coated with that rich, comforting flavor.
Step 6: Final Touches
Finish off your Creamy Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe by garnishing with fresh basil. If you like a little kick, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for that extra sass. Serve immediately, and get ready to hear all about how this recipe might just become your new favorite weeknight dinner.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil sprinkled on top brings a vivid green pop and a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce. For those who crave a touch of heat, red pepper flakes add that subtle fiery note that cuts through the richness. A drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the dish just before serving.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, helping balance the creaminess with some crunch and acidity. Warm, crusty bread is also fantastic for dipping into any leftover sauce. Roasted or grilled vegetables can build a colorful, wholesome meal if you want to make the feast even heartier.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with extra shaved feta and basil leaves. You can also add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for texture or a splash of balsamic glaze for a hint of sweetness that amps up the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, but the pasta is best enjoyed sooner rather than later to keep the sauce creamy and fresh-tasting.
Freezing
This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe isn’t ideal for freezing since the texture of the roasted tomatoes and feta sauce might change upon thawing. If you do freeze, expect a slight separation, and be prepared to stir vigorously when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. Microwaving works in a pinch but stir a few times to avoid uneven heating. Fresh basil added after reheating freshens things up wonderfully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
While feta is the star here because of its tangy creaminess, you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese for a milder but still luscious sauce. Just keep in mind these will change the flavor profile quite a bit.
What type of pasta works best in this recipe?
Any short or medium-length pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle works great because they catch the sauce well. Spaghetti or linguine can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
You can swap feta for a plant-based cheese alternative and ensure your pasta contains no eggs. Nutritional yeast or cashew cream can help mimic that cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
How spicy is this dish?
The basic recipe is mild and creamy, but adding red pepper flakes gives it a gentle kick. You can adjust the spice according to your taste or omit it entirely for a comforting mellow meal.
Is it necessary to roast the tomatoes and feta together?
Absolutely! Roasting them together melds their flavors perfectly and softens the feta into a creamy sauce that’s impossible to replicate with other cooking methods. It’s the key step that makes this dish magical.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into something spectacular. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy in equal measure. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again because it’s that delicious and comforting.
Print
Creamy Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This creamy baked feta pasta is a viral sensation that combines roasted cherry tomatoes and a whole feta block into a luscious sauce, perfectly tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal that bursts with flavor and visual appeal, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole block of feta cheese (about 8 oz)
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 1 bunch fresh basil
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the tomatoes and feta.
- Prepare tomatoes and feta: Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly in a baking dish. Place the entire block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Add olive oil and garlic: Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly and season with salt to taste.
- Bake: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
- Cook pasta: While the feta and tomatoes roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mash sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork or spoon to mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together until they form a creamy sauce.
- Toss pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta with the creamy feta tomato sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them on top. Add red pepper flakes if desired for a little heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes if needed.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust olive oil amount based on your preferred richness.
- Adding red pepper flakes adds a nice spicy kick but is optional.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
