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- 200g pasta (fusilli or penne) - 250g block of feta cheese - 400g cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest and juice of 1 lemon When preparing this dish, you need fresh ingredients. The cherry tomatoes should be ripe for the best taste. I prefer using fusilli or penne pasta. They hold the sauce well. Feta cheese is the star here. It adds creaminess and tang. Fresh garlic brings an aromatic touch. Use good quality olive oil for depth of flavor. Dried oregano gives warmth, while red pepper flakes add a kick. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Don't forget the basil! It brightens the dish. The lemon zest and juice add freshness that balances the richness. - Calories per serving: Approximately 450 - Macronutrient breakdown: - Carbs: 55g - Fats: 22g - Proteins: 12g - Dietary considerations: This dish is vegetarian. You can use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option. This recipe serves four people. It’s perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. Each ingredient adds a unique flavor, making this dish both simple and satisfying. 1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step is key for getting the feta nice and golden. 2. In a baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. These fresh ingredients bring great flavor. 3. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This adds richness and helps the tomatoes soften. 4. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly. 1. Place the feta cheese block in the center of the baking dish. This will soak in all the tomato goodness. 2. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta. This helps it melt and become creamy. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Look for blistering tomatoes and golden feta. 4. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta. Boil it in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain. 1. After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together. 2. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything well until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. 3. Mix in the zest and juice of 1 lemon. This adds brightness and freshness to the dish. 4. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt or pepper if needed. 5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. They add color and a burst of flavor. - Best pasta types for this recipe: Fusilli and penne work best. They hold sauce well and add a nice texture. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer. - How to achieve perfect feta texture: Use a firm block of feta. When baked, it should be soft but not runny. Don’t overbake it; check after 30 minutes until it’s golden. - Suggestions for adding more spices: Try adding Italian herbs like thyme or rosemary for more depth. You can also use black pepper or smoked paprika for extra warmth. - Ingredient substitutions for different flavors: Swap feta with goat cheese for a tangy twist. Adding sun-dried tomatoes can bring a rich, sweet flavor to the dish. - Garnishing tips with fresh herbs: Fresh basil adds color and taste. Tear it by hand to release more flavor. You can also use parsley or chives for a fresh look. - How to serve and plate the dish beautifully: Use a large bowl for family-style serving or individual plates for a fancy touch. Drizzle olive oil on top for a glossy finish and sprinkle more black pepper for looks. {{image_2}} You can easily change this dish to fit your taste. For a vegetarian twist, swap the feta cheese with goat cheese or ricotta. These options bring different flavors and textures. You can also try using a mix of cheeses for fun. Adding more vegetables makes this dish even better. Think about including spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These veggies add color and nutrients. They also enhance the dish's overall taste. If you need gluten-free pasta, use rice or corn pasta. These work well and keep the dish tasty. Many brands offer great gluten-free options. For a low-carb choice, try spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. These alternatives cut down on carbs while keeping the meal filling. You'll enjoy the same flavors without the extra pasta. Want to add protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp makes a great addition. Just cook them separately and toss them in at the end. This change adds richness and makes the dish heartier. You can also switch the flavor base. Using pesto instead of olive oil gives a fresh taste. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a deeper flavor. Experimenting with these options lets you create a dish that fits your mood. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. It will last for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. Reheat in the oven for best flavor. Use a low heat, around 160°C (320°F). This prevents drying out the pasta. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of water to keep it moist. You can freeze portions if you want to save some for later. Place in freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as the pasta may expand. It will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Can I use dried tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, you can use dried tomatoes. They add a strong flavor. Soak them in warm water first. This softens them and helps them mix well with the pasta. You may need less salt, as dried tomatoes can be salty. How can I make this dish vegan? To make this dish vegan, swap feta cheese for a plant-based cheese. Look for creamy options that melt well. You can also try using tofu. Just blend it with lemon juice and a bit of nutritional yeast for flavor. What to do if the feta doesn’t melt properly? If your feta doesn’t melt, check the oven temperature. Make sure it’s at 200°C (400°F). Bake longer if needed, but keep an eye on the tomatoes. They should blister, and the feta should soften. How to adjust if it’s too salty or bland? If it’s too salty, add more pasta or veggies to balance the taste. If it’s bland, add more lemon juice or fresh herbs. Basil or parsley can brighten the flavors. What side dishes complement baked feta tomato pasta? A simple green salad pairs well. You can also serve garlic bread on the side. Roasted veggies make a great addition too. They add color and nutrients. Beverage pairings for an ideal meal experience Pair this dish with a light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, a sparkling lemonade works great. It refreshes the palate and enhances the meal. This recipe lays the groundwork for a satisfying baked feta pasta. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. Using fresh tomatoes and creamy feta gives rich flavor. You can adjust flavors, swap ingredients, and explore variations to fit your taste. Don't worry if you have questions; the FAQs cover common concerns. With the right approach, this dish can impress anyone. Enjoy making this simple yet delicious meal!

Baked Feta Tomato Pasta

Discover the deliciousness of baked feta tomato pasta with this easy recipe! Combining creamy feta, blistered cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a flavorful meal in just 40 minutes. Don't miss out on this tasty creation that will elevate your dinner routine. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this scrumptious dish today!
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Ingredients
  

200g pasta (fusilli or penne works well)

250g block of feta cheese

400g cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

    In a baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to combine.

      Place the feta cheese block in the center of the baking dish among the tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta.

        Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistering and the feta is golden and softened.

          While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

            Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.

              Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy feta and tomato mixture.

                Add the lemon juice and zest, mixing well to incorporate the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.

                  Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

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