Irresistible Baked Feta Cheese with Pasta and Tomatoes Recipe

Crispy oven-baked feta cheese creates a Mediterranean culinary adventure waiting to unfold right in your kitchen.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Quick preparation meets incredible flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Pasta transforms into something magical when paired with melted, golden feta and juicy roasted tomatoes.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this uncomplicated recipe that looks like it came from a trendy restaurant.

Minimal ingredients promise maximum satisfaction for hungry souls seeking comfort and excitement on a plate.

Baked Feta Pasta With Tomatoes That Took The Internet For A Reason

• Speedy Weeknight Savior: Whips up a delicious meal in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a quick and satisfying dinner.
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines pasta, cheese, and tomatoes in a single air fryer dish, minimizing cleanup and simplifying meal preparation.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily adaptable with different herbs, cheese types, or pasta shapes to suit individual tastes and pantry ingredients.

Pasta and Cheese in Baked Feta Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• Feta Cheese: Creamy Greek cheese that provides the rich, tangy base of the dish. Best when using full-fat, block-style feta for optimal melting.

• Pasta: Carbohydrate base that absorbs the flavors of the sauce. Any short pasta like penne or fusilli works well.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, sweet component that roasts and creates a natural sauce. Choose ripe, vibrant red tomatoes for best flavor.
• Tomato Passata: Smooth, strained tomato sauce that adds depth and moisture to the dish.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Black Pepper: Adds a slight heat and complexity to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and savory undertones.
• Dried Basil: Classic herb that complements tomato and cheese flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light herbal note to finish the dish.

Baked Feta Cheese With Pasta And Tomatoes Made Easy

Step 1: Warm Up Your Cooking Buddy

Fire up your air fryer to 160°C (320°F) so it’s ready for delicious action.

Step 2: Create a Cheese and Tomato Canvas

Select an oven-safe dish that snugly fits inside your air fryer.

Place the feta cheese right in the center, surrounded by vibrant cherry tomatoes sliced in half.

Step 3: Sprinkle Flavor Boosters

• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Minced garlic
• Dried basil

Generously scatter these ingredients across the cheese and tomatoes.

Step 4: First Roasting Adventure

Slide the dish into the air fryer and bake for 10 minutes.

Watch for the feta turning golden and tomatoes softening into juicy perfection.

Step 5: Pasta Joining the Party

Add your already cooked pasta into the roasted cheese and tomato mixture.

Pour in tomato passata and gently fold everything together so flavors mingle beautifully.

Step 6: Final Flavor Fusion

Return the dish to the air fryer and bake for another 15 minutes, allowing ingredients to blend and intensify.

Step 7: Elegant Finishing Touch

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve this Mediterranean marvel while it’s wonderfully warm.

Pasta Tips With Baked Feta And Tomato Love

• Use high-quality, block feta for the best melting texture and rich flavor profile.
• Choose ripe cherry tomatoes that are slightly firm to prevent turning mushy during cooking.
• Fresh dried basil works better than old spices, so replace your herbs annually for maximum flavor intensity.
• Cook pasta slightly under al dente before adding to the dish, as it will continue cooking in the air fryer.
• Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options for alternative dietary needs without compromising taste.

Store Baked Feta Pasta Without Drying Out

• Store leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of water or extra passata to maintain moisture.
• Revive the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently and adding a little olive oil or passata to prevent sticking and restore creaminess.
• This dish doesn't freeze well due to the soft cheese and fresh ingredients, which can separate and lose texture when thawed.

Best Combos For Baked Feta Pasta

• Enhance Flavor Pairing: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc perfectly cuts through the rich, creamy feta and complements the bright tomato flavors.
• Wine Companion: Mediterranean rosé brings a refreshing note that matches the herb-infused dish, creating a balanced and light drinking experience.
• Bread Side Kick: Crusty sourdough or rustic Italian bread provides a delightful textural contrast, helping to soak up the delicious tomato and cheese sauce.
• Herbal Fresh Touch: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery, zesty element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Pasta Bakes with Feta Cheese & Tomatoes

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap feta cheese with plant-based feta made from tofu or cashews, and use vegan pasta to create a dairy-free option that maintains the creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the dish's rich Mediterranean flavors.
• Protein-Packed Variation: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to increase protein content, making the meal more filling and nutritionally balanced for active individuals.

FAQs

• What ingredients do I need for this recipe?

You’ll need feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, pasta, tomato passata, salt, pepper, garlic, dried basil, and fresh parsley.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

While feta works best for this recipe, you could try similar soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with a gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour.

• Do I need any special equipment?

An air fryer is essential for this recipe. If you don’t have one, you can adapt the recipe for a traditional oven, adjusting temperature and cooking times accordingly.

Baked Feta Cheese with Pasta and Tomatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Viral Mediterranean “Baked Feta Pasta” delivers a sensational one-pan dinner experience that combines creamy Greek feta with sweet roasted tomatoes and perfectly al dente pasta. Simple ingredients create a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 block (200 grams / 7 ounces) feta cheese
• 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes, halved
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) cooked pasta (al dente)
• 200 milliliters (6.8 fluid ounces) tomato passata

Spices and Seasonings:

• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder or minced garlic (to taste)
• Dried basil (to taste)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 160°C (320°F), creating the perfect environment for a delectable Mediterranean-inspired dish.
2. Select an oven-safe vessel compatible with your air fryer, strategically positioning the feta cheese at the epicenter and arranging cherry tomatoes around it like vibrant satellites.
3. Elevate the flavor profile by liberally sprinkling a medley of seasonings – salt, cracked black pepper, aromatic garlic, and fragrant dried basil – across the ingredients.
4. Allow the ingredients to transform in the air fryer for approximately 10 minutes, watching as the feta develops a golden hue and the tomatoes soften and release their natural juices.
5. Carefully extract the dish, introducing the pre-cooked pasta into this bubbling flavor landscape and gently incorporating the rich tomato passata, ensuring each ingredient is harmoniously integrated.
6. Return the culinary creation to the air fryer for an additional 15-minute infusion, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
7. Complete the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, adding a final touch of color and herbaceous brightness before serving the warm, comforting meal.

Notes

• Swap out traditional pasta for gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly and increase nutritional value.
• Use low-fat feta or goat cheese for a lighter version that reduces overall calorie content without compromising flavor intensity.
• Consider adding red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat, which enhances the tomato and cheese combination and provides a subtle spicy undertone.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano or thyme instead of dried basil to elevate the aromatic profile and introduce more complex Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 50mg