Feta Cheese and Tomato Pasta is simplicity and flavor in one pan, making it a perfect weeknight meal or weekend comfort food. Fresh herbs and a touch of balsamic vinegar add depth and brightness, while the baking process transforms everything into a delightfully gooey and satisfying casserole.
This one-pan baked pasta dish combines juicy tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and your favorite pasta for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This incredibly easy baked pasta dish combines the creamy tang of feta cheese with the sweetness of fresh tomatoes for a flavor explosion in every bite.
The recipe utilizes your favorite pasta of choice, tossed with juicy cherry or grape tomatoes, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and a generous block of feta cheese.
- Simple and Quick: This recipe comes together in under an hour with minimal prep work, perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup.
- Flavorful and Customizable: The combination of creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a delicious and versatile base that can be easily adapted to your taste.
- Family-Friendly: This crowd-pleasing dish is sure to be a hit with people of all ages.
Ingredients You'll Need
Choose your favorite pasta: ziti, radiatore, linguine, you name it. While cherry tomatoes are recommended, even chopped Roma tomatoes work in a pinch! Don't skimp on the fresh basil though, as dried doesn't work.
- Feta cheese block, drained.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes.
- White or yellow onion, slivered.
- Olive oil.
- Garlic, minced.
- Italian Seasoning (see our Italian Seasoning recipe to make your own blend also).
- Balsamic vinegar or glaze (either will work).
- Dry, short pasta is best, but ANY pasta can be used.
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How To Make A Feta and Tomato Bake
Simply add the ingredients in the order listed and pop in your oven. After a quick bake in the oven, the result is a delightful casserole with tender pasta, perfectly cooked tomatoes, and a melty, decadent feta cheese sauce.
Fresh basil leaves stirred in after baking add a final touch of flavor, making this Feta Cheese and Tomato Pasta a guaranteed weeknight favorite.
Toss Tomatoes In Olive Oil
- Preheat oven to 425F. In a large baking dish, toss tomatoes and slivered onions with olive oil.
- Spread tomatoes and onion into an even layer in the dish, leaving a small space in the center for the feta cheese. Add feta cheese and season with the Italian seasoning herbs, minced garlic, black pepper and the balsamic vinegar.
- Place the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 minutes.
Add The Fresh Basil Leaves
- While the dish is baking, boil your pasta in salted water according to package directions.
- Before you drain the pasta, reserve ½ cup of the cooking water and set aside.
- Remove dish from oven. Add the fresh basil leaves.
Stir In The Pasta
- Drizzle about ¼ cup of the pasta water over the basil leaves and toss all ingredients together until basil leaves begin to wilt, the feta cheese melts in the tomatoes, and a thick sauce forms.
- Toss in cooked and drained pasta. Add in more pasta water as needed to thin the sauce. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Feta Cheese and Tomato Pasta is a satisfying main course on its own, or add a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. You can also serve it as a comforting side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin Medallions.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few delicious variations or substitutions when making this one pan feta cheese pasta recipe.
- Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini, farfalle, or even gluten-free alternatives.
- If cherry or grape tomatoes are unavailable, you can use chopped roma tomatoes.
- Swap the basil for chopped fresh spinach leaves.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a kick of heat.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for making this recipe:
- Don't forget to reserve some pasta water. The reserved pasta water helps create a creamy sauce in the baking dish.
- Cook the pasta one minute less than al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking.
- Broiling for a minute or two at the end adds a delightful crispy texture to the feta cheese.
Related Recipes
- Shrimp Scampi with Angel Hair Pasta
- Taco Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Bowtie Pesto Pasta Salad
- Gluten Free Swedish Meatballs
- San Giorgio Baked Ziti (Meatless Baked Ziti)
- Spinach Artichoke Baked Pasta
Storage Options
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- This dish can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can omit the balsamic vinegar, but it adds a touch of acidity that helps balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the feta cheese. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of honey can be used as a substitute.
You can preassemble the pasta dish in the baking dish up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and bake it according to the instructions 25 minutes before ready to serve.
More Delish Ideas
- Are Lumpia Wrappers Gluten Free? (with recipe)
- Celery Root Latkes (Low Carb Latkes)
- Zucchini Latkes with Carrot and Feta
- Potato Latkes
Feta Cheese and Tomato Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 24 ounces cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- ½ Yellow onion slivered
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 7 oz feta cheese drained
- 1½ teaspoon Italian seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 8 oz dried short pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water from the cooked pasta
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425F. In a large baking dish, toss tomatoes and slivered onions with olive oil.24 ounces cherry tomatoes, 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ Yellow onion
- Spread tomatoes and onion into an even layer in the dish, leaving a small space in the center for the feta cheese. Add feta cheese and season with the Italian seasoning herbs, minced garlic, black pepper and the balsamic vinegar.7 oz feta cheese, 1½ teaspoon Italian seasonings, ยผ teaspoon black pepper, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Place the dish in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 minutes.
- While the dish is baking, boil your pasta in salted water according to package directions.8 oz dried short pasta, 1 teaspoon salt
- Before you drain the pasta, reserve ยฝ cup of the cooking water and set aside.ยฝ cup water
- Remove dish from oven. Add the fresh basil leaves. Drizzle about ยผ cup of the pasta water over the basil leaves and toss all ingredients together until basil leaves begin to wilt, the feta cheese melts in the tomatoes, and a thick sauce forms.1 cup fresh basil leaves
- Toss in cooked and drained pasta. Add in more pasta water as needed to thin the sauce. Serve.
Notes
- Reserve Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water helps create a creamy sauce in the baking dish.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta one minute less than al dente, as it will continue to cook during baking.
- Use Ripe Tomatoes: Ripe tomatoes will burst with flavor and create a delicious sauce.
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