Introduction:
Looking for a cozy, romantic meal to share with your special someone this Valentine’s Day? This Baked Feta Pasta is creamy, comforting, and full of love—just like your perfect date night. Juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, melted feta, and tender pasta come together in a dish that’s easy to make and absolutely irresistible. Serve it with a glass of wine, some candles, and a little extra heart-shaped charm for a meal to remember.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Total Calories: ~650 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 1 block (200 g) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then sprinkle minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the feta and tomatoes together with a fork or spatula until creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the baking dish and mix well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
💡 Chef’s Tip
For an extra creamy and luscious sauce, gently mash the feta and roasted tomatoes while they’re still hot and mix in a splash of the reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta, making each bite irresistibly rich. For a restaurant-quality finish, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving.