Save to Pinterest 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.
I love making this dish during the holidays because it combines simplicity with elegance and always impresses guests with minimal effort
Ingredients
- Dairy: 200 g feta cheese block
- Vegetables: 500 g cherry tomatoes, whole, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 100 g baby spinach, 1 small red bell pepper, diced, Zest of 1 lemon
- Pasta: 300 g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Step 2:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center. Surround with cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss vegetables gently, keeping the feta in the center.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, 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.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Step 7:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Step 8:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save to Pinterest This meal always brings my family together during Christmas dinner and inspires warm conversations around the table
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the creamy feta and vibrant herbs
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the pasta
Variations
Add roasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch or substitute baby spinach with kale for a different leafy green flavor
Save to Pinterest This festive baked feta pasta is the perfect balance of creamy and fresh for your holiday table
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta to keep the dish gluten-free.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor?
Dried oregano, thyme, and fresh basil garnish add aromatic layers that complement the baked feta and tomatoes.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can assemble ingredients and refrigerate before baking for convenience.
- → What side dishes pair well with this meal?
A crisp green salad or crusty bread complements the creamy and tangy elements perfectly.
- → Are nuts recommended in this dish?
Roasted walnuts or pine nuts can be added for extra crunch and flavor contrast.