Pin It A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet irresistible meal.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g, halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Short pasta: 300 g (e.g., penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Kalamata olives: 100 g pitted, halved
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves: to serve
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place the feta block in the center of a baking dish Surround it with cherry tomatoes and olives
- Season:
- Drizzle everything with olive oil Sprinkle with minced garlic oregano and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) Season with salt and pepper
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft
- Cook pasta:
- Meanwhile cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water then drain
- Mash:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together mixing well to create a creamy sauce
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish tossing to coat If needed add reserved pasta water a little at a time for a silkier sauce
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately
Pin It Notes
Excellent wine pairing: a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé
Required Tools
Baking dish Large pot Colander Mixing spoon or fork Chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (feta cheese) Wheat (pasta unless gluten-free variety is used) If using pre-pitted olives check for potential nut contamination Always check ingredient labels if you have allergies
Pin It Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and are ideal for this dish.
- → Can I substitute feta cheese for another type?
While feta's tangy creaminess is key, you can try halloumi or goat cheese for different textures and flavors.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Adding reserved pasta cooking water gradually will help achieve a silkier, creamier sauce texture.
- → Are Kalamata olives necessary or can they be swapped?
Kalamata olives add a distinctive briny flavor, but you can use other pitted olives based on your preference.
- → What herbs complement this pasta best?
Fresh basil is classic, while oregano adds warmth; combining both enhances the Mediterranean profile.
- → Can this be prepared gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free pasta varieties ensures the dish suits gluten-free diets without altering flavors.