feta pasta recipe

Feta Pasta Recipe

This easy feta pasta recipe combines creamy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and tender pasta for a flavorful and comforting meal. Everything comes together in one baking dish, making it a simple choice for a delicious weeknight dinner. Discover more flavorful recipes like feta pasta recipe right here.

Ingredients

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup sliced red bell pepper
  • ½ cup sliced red onion
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves peeled garlic, or more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 (8-ounce) package feta cheese
  • 1 (12-ounce) package penne pasta
  • 1 cup baby spinach

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, black pepper, Italian seasoning, basil, and sea salt to a 13×9-inch baking dish. Stir to combine.
  • Make a space in the center of the dish and place the block of feta cheese there. Turn it gently in the oil so the cheese is well coated while keeping it intact.
  • Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the cherry tomatoes begin to blister and split.
  • Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until tender but still firm, about 11 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.
  • Remove the baked feta and tomato mixture from the oven. Mash the garlic, tomatoes, onions, and peppers with a heavy spoon, then mix everything with the feta to create a creamy sauce.
  • Stir in the cooked pasta and baby spinach. The heat from the pasta and sauce will wilt the spinach.
  • Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
  • Mix well and serve immediately.

Preparation Details

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Yield: 6 servings