Description
Baked Feta Pasta is a comforting and flavorful plant-based dish featuring creamy plant-based feta (plant-based) baked with sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. Tossed with al dente short pasta and fresh basil, this easy one-pan recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend gatherings. It is versatile, customizable, and delivers a rich, tangy, and fresh flavor experience with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g plant-based feta cheese (plant-based)
- 400g cherry tomatoes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, torn
- 250g short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli), gluten-free if preferred
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (natural), optional
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly to ensure they roast and caramelize evenly.
- Add the Plant-Based Feta Cheese: Place a block of plant-based feta cheese (plant-based) in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle with extra olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes (natural) if using. This allows the cheese to soften and blend with the tomatoes.
- Roast Everything Together: Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes until the tomatoes are puffed and bursting and the plant-based feta looks creamy with slightly browned edges.
- Cook the Pasta: While baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
- Combine and Toss: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Mix the softened plant-based feta and roasted tomatoes together until creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss well, adding reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired sauce consistency. Finish by stirring in torn fresh basil leaves and drizzling extra olive oil on top.
Notes
- Choose ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Undercook the pasta slightly to prevent over-softness as it will absorb sauce.
- Use high-quality olive oil to enhance the roasting and flavor.
- Allow the plant-based feta to soften fully to create a creamy sauce.
- Add fresh herbs like basil last to maintain their vibrant flavor and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked feta pasta, plant-based feta, roasted cherry tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, gluten free pasta, plant-based pasta dish, baked pasta, one-pan pasta