Save 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 first served this dish during the holidays and my whole family was impressed at how simple and flavorful it was. It quickly became a new tradition at our table.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- 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.
- Add Seasonings:
- 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.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Cook Pasta:
- 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.
- Add Greens and Zest:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Finish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save This dish always brings my family together around the table during the holidays. We love sharing stories and laughter while enjoying this warm, comforting meal.
Required Tools
Ovenproof baking dish, large pot for pasta, colander, mixing spoon
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (pasta). For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free pasta. Always check cheese and pasta labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 460, Total Fat 16 g, Carbohydrates 58 g, Protein 17 g
Save This festive pasta is a guaranteed hit, combining ease with vibrant holiday flavors for a memorable meal.
Recipe Help
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni holds the creamy sauce well and complements the baked feta and vegetables.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substituting regular pasta with certified gluten-free pasta keeps the dish accessible without altering the core flavors.
- → How can I add extra crunch to this meal?
Adding roasted walnuts or pine nuts provides a delightful texture contrast to the creamy elements.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor of the baked feta?
Dried oregano, thyme, and fresh basil bring out the Mediterranean essence, balancing the richness of the feta cheese.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
The components are best served fresh to retain their textures and flavors, but you can prepare the vegetables in advance for quicker assembly.