Baked Feta Pasta has taken the world by storm, and for good reasonโcreamy feta, bursting tomatoes, and the perfect pasta make for a simple yet delicious dish that feels gourmet. Let’s dive into how you can create this viral sensation with ease.
Ingredients
- Asparagus โ 230 g (8 oz)
- Garlic cloves, finely minced โ 4
- Cherry or grape tomatoes โ 2 pints (about 4 cups)
- Extra virgin olive oil โ 95 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tablespoon)
- Salt โ 1/4 teaspoon
- Black pepper, freshly ground โ 1/2 teaspoon
- Feta cheese โ 225 g (8 oz)
- Penne pasta โ 225-280 g (8 to 10 oz)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped โ 1/4 cup
Cooking Steps
- Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 200ยฐC (400ยฐF). Trim the ends off the asparagus and slice into bite-sized pieces. Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves, dividing them into two equal parts. - Assemble the Bake
Place the tomatoes and asparagus into a 23 x 33 cm (9 x 13 inch) casserole dish, followed by 1/3 cup of olive oil and half of the minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, toss to combine, and place a block of feta cheese in the middle. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and pepper. - Bake the Feta
Put the casserole dish in the center of the oven and bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes are bursting with juice. - Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining. - Mix and Serve
Remove the bake from the oven. Add the remaining garlic and parsley while it is still hot, stirring to mash the feta into a saucy consistency. Add in the cooked pasta, toss, and pour in reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired creaminess.
There you have itโa delightful, creamy baked feta pasta that easily becomes a household favorite. The simplicity is unmatched, yet the flavors are incredibly sophisticated. Perfect on its own or alongside your favorite protein, this dish is sure to impress.
