Baked Feta Pasta Reinvented

In the world of comfort food, few dishes can rival the warmth and heartiness of a good pasta bake. These baked wonders not only offer a satisfying meal but also present a canvas for culinary creativity. Among the myriad of pasta bakes, the Feta Fiesta Pasta Bake stands out with its vibrant flavors and easy preparation. This delightful recipe marries the creamy, tangy notes of feta cheese with the sweetness of cherry tomatoes and the earthiness of spinach, resulting in a dish that is both rich and refreshing.

Discover the comforting delight of Feta Fiesta Pasta Bake, a vibrant and easy-to-make dish that combines creamy feta, roasted cherry tomatoes, and nutritious spinach. This recipe not only satisfies but also allows for culinary creativity. It offers a simple step-by-step guide, nutritional insights, and tips for customization, making it perfect for busy families or anyone who loves good food. Dive into this delightful pasta bake and elevate your home cooking!

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Ingredients

250g Feta cheese (block)

400g Cherry tomatoes (halved)

3 cloves Garlic (sliced)

1 tsp Dried oregano

1 tsp Chilli flakes (adjust to taste)

3 tbsp Olive oil

Salt and black pepper (to taste)

300g Pasta (your choice, penne or fusilli works great)

2 cups Baby spinach (roughly chopped)

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tbsp Fresh basil (chopped, for garnish)

¼ cup Toasted pine nuts (for crunch)

Instructions

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a medium-sized baking dish or use parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, dried oregano, chilli flakes, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the tomatoes are well coated.

Add Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and sprinkle some additional black pepper for flavor.

Bake: Transfer the mixture to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and soft.

Cook Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine Pasta and Vegetables: Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove them from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped spinach and lemon zest.

Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir together until everything is well combined. Check for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.

Final Bake (Optional): If you like a crispy topping, sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the pasta mixture. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil and extra chilli flakes if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your Feta Fiesta Pasta Bake!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 45 min | Serves 4