Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 shallot, quartered; 3 garlic cloves, smashed; 2 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes; 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil, divided; Kosher salt; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes; 1 (8-oz.) block feta; 3 thyme sprigs; 12 oz. short tubular pasta (such as macaroni or cavatappi); Zest of 1 lemon (optional); Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 18 reviews

Baked Feta Pasta is the kind of magical recipe you fall in love with at first bite. In less than an hour, a simple block of feta, a tumble of juicy tomatoes, and a handful of pantry staples transform into a creamy, tangy, and deeply comforting pasta that looks as fabulous as it tastes. This dish combines irresistibly tender bursts of roasted tomato, luscious olive oil, aromatic garlic and shallot, and a herby brightness, all swirling together with perfectly cooked noodles. It’s pure joy for busy weeknights, cozy gatherings, or any time you want a little Mediterranean sunshine on your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of what makes Baked Feta Pasta such a beloved favorite is how few ingredients you need for such an over-the-top delicious result! Each item on this list joins forces to create a pasta dish brimming with flavor, vibrant color, and perfect texture.

Shallot: Adds a touch of sweetness and delicate oniony depth without overpowering the dish.
Garlic cloves: Smashed and roasted, the garlic brings a mellow, savory warmth that weaves through every bite.
Cherry or grape tomatoes: Bursting with color and juice, these roast up sweet and juicy to make the irresistible sauce.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Lends silkiness and richness while helping everything roast to caramelized perfection.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the vibrant flavors within the dish.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle, background heat that makes the flavors pop.
Block of feta: The creamy, salty star of the show that turns delightfully golden and melty when baked.
Thyme sprigs: Fresh thyme infuses the sauce with earthy, herbal complexity.
Short tubular pasta: Pasta like macaroni or cavatappi captures the sauce beautifully in every swirl.
Lemon zest (optional): A pop of fresh citrusy aroma that lifts the whole dish—add it if you love brightness!
Fresh basil leaves: Scattered on top, basil brings color and a burst of summer fragrance.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Build the Base

Start by setting your oven rack in the center and preheating to 400 degrees. In a large ovenproof skillet or a medium baking dish, combine the quartered shallot, smashed garlic cloves, and those lovely cherry or grape tomatoes. Drizzle with all but a tablespoon of the olive oil, sprinkle with kosher salt and a pinch of red pepper flakes, and toss everything together so the tomatoes glisten and the flavors start mingling. This flavor-packed bed is where all the magic begins.

Step 2: Nestle the Feta and Add the Herbs

Take your block of feta and make it the star, placing it right in the center of your tomato mixture. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil directly over the cheese to help it brown and soften in the oven. Scattering fresh thyme sprigs over everything infuses the tomatoes and feta with an aromatic, earthy depth as they roast together.

Step 3: Bake Into Deliciousness

Slide your skillet or dish into the oven and let the heat work wonders for 40 to 45 minutes. By the end, your tomatoes will be bursting and caramelized, and the feta will have developed a gorgeous golden crust while staying lusciously creamy underneath. The enticing aroma at this step is reason enough to gather everyone in the kitchen!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce is baking, bring a big pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add your short tubular pasta and cook until it’s perfectly al dente, according to package instructions. Before you drain, be sure to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water; its starch will help bring the sauce together in the next step.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Once your feta and tomatoes have emerged from the oven, use a spoon to stir the warm, now-soft feta into the roasted tomatoes, shallots, and garlic, creating a creamy sauce. Add in your drained pasta, the reserved pasta water, and lemon zest if you’re using it. Toss until every piece of pasta is coated in the cheesy, tangy, herby sauce. Shower with torn fresh basil leaves before serving for an extra layer of fresh flavor and color.

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

Just before serving, I love sprinkling extra fresh basil and a little more lemon zest over the top. For a restaurant-worthy touch, you can also add a handful of toasted pine nuts or a dusting of cracked black pepper. The herby, citrusy garnishes not only look gorgeous, but they also brighten and balance the rich, tangy flavors of the Baked Feta Pasta.

Side Dishes

Baked Feta Pasta is a standout star as a main course but plays beautifully with light, simple sides. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette will cut through the creamy sauce, while a loaf of fresh crusty bread is perfect for swiping up every last bit. For extra veggies, try serving alongside garlicky sautéed spinach or roasted asparagus.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving this at a party or want to change things up, dish out individual portions into small bowls and top each with a swirl of fresh basil and a sprinkle of chili flakes. For a family style meal, I love bringing the hot skillet right to the table so everyone can scoop their own, giving the presentation a rustic, homey elegance. You can even bake in mini gratin dishes for adorable single servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Baked Feta Pasta left over, let it cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to mingle and intensify, making leftovers almost as crave-worthy as the first bite.

Freezing

While you can freeze Baked Feta Pasta, it might slightly change the texture of the cheese and tomatoes. If you do freeze, make sure to use a freezer-safe container and enjoy within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for best flavor and consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the pasta to a skillet with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce, and warm over low heat until hot and creamy again. You can also microwave individual portions, but stir halfway through for the best results. Add fresh basil right before serving to revive that just-made magic.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

Using a block of feta is recommended because it holds its shape and melts more evenly, providing a creamier sauce. Crumbled feta may not achieve the same creamy texture since it often contains anti-caking agents, but it can work in a pinch.

What other vegetables can I add to Baked Feta Pasta?

You can absolutely experiment! Toss in sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for extra nutrients and color. Just add sturdy veggies at the beginning with the tomatoes and delicate ones (like spinach) at the end with the pasta.

Is there a gluten-free version of Baked Feta Pasta?

Definitely. Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for an equally delicious, safe option. Be sure to check that your feta is also gluten-free, though most blocks are naturally so.

Can I make this with a different cheese?

While feta gives this pasta its signature tang, you can make a similar dish with blocks of goat cheese or ricotta salata. Each will bring a different flavor and texture twist to the finished pasta.

How can I make it less salty?

If you prefer a milder dish, look for reduced-salt feta or soak your regular feta in water for 10–20 minutes before baking. Adjust the amount of added salt in the tomato mixture to taste as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a pasta night that feels like a celebration, you need to try Baked Feta Pasta. With just a few simple groceries and almost no hands-on time, you’ll pull off a luxurious, crowd-pleasing dinner that absolutely anyone can make. Give it a shot and see why the whole world can’t stop talking about this irresistible, flavor-packed dish!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Build the Base