Save 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.
I first served this to friends and family who loved the effortless blend of tangy and savory flavors in every bite.
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)
- Pitted Kalamata olives: 100 g 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:
- Set oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place feta in center of baking dish surrounded by cherry tomatoes and olives
- Season:
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic oregano crushed red pepper flakes if using salt and pepper
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft
- Cook pasta:
- Boil salted water cook pasta until al dente reserve 1/2 cup water then drain
- Mash feta mixture:
- Mash feta and tomatoes together creating creamy sauce
- Combine:
- Add pasta to baking dish tossing to coat add reserved water if needed
- Garnish and serve:
- Add fresh basil leaves serve immediately
Save My family enjoys gathering around the table sharing this flavorful dish especially on warm summer evenings.
Notes
Try adding baby spinach or arugula for extra greens Use a gluten-free pasta if needed 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
Save 
This baked feta pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and always impresses guests with its vibrant flavors.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and complement the baked feta texture.
- → Can I use other cheese instead of feta?
Feta's crumbly, creamy nature melts uniquely when baked, but halloumi or ricotta can be alternatives with different textures.
- → How do the olives affect the flavor?
Kalamata olives add a salty, briny depth that balances the feta's creaminess and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, swapping regular pasta for gluten-free options keeps the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → How to adjust the spiciness level?
Crushed red pepper flakes are optional; adjust quantity or omit to suit preferred heat levels.
- → What's the best way to serve this dish?
Serve immediately after tossing pasta with the sauce, garnished with fresh basil for aroma and freshness.