Save A festive, colorful pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, cherry tomatoes, and holiday herbs, all cooked together in one pan for a simple yet elegant meal.
This recipe is a holiday favorite that always brings warmth and joy to the dinner table.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 200 g feta cheese block
- Vegetables: 500 g cherry tomatoes, whole, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 small red onion, thinly sliced, 100 g baby spinach, 1 small red bell pepper, diced, Zest of 1 lemon
- Pasta: 300 g short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried thyme, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, torn (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200℃ (400℉).
- Step 2:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, place the feta cheese block in the center. Surround with cherry tomatoes, red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic.
- Step 3:
- Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and feta. Sprinkle with dried oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss vegetables gently keeping the feta in the center.
- Step 4:
- Bake for 25 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Step 5:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 100 ml (about ⅓ cup) of the pasta water then drain.
- Step 6:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add spinach and lemon zest to the dish.
- Step 7:
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the feta melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
- Step 8:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Save This dish brings the family together during festive occasions, enjoyed by both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc and a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.
Variations
Add roasted walnuts or pine nuts for extra crunch and texture. Swap spinach for kale for a different leafy green flavor.
Save A perfect balance of creamy feta and roasted vegetables makes this pasta a holiday showstopper ready in under an hour.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I use different cheeses instead of feta?
Feta's salty creaminess is key, but halloumi or a crumbly goat cheese can be interesting alternatives.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking after cooking?
Reserve some pasta cooking water to mix in, which helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- → What herbs complement the flavors best?
Dried oregano and thyme bring warmth, while fresh basil added at the end adds brightness and aroma.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by substituting traditional pasta with certified gluten-free pasta, this meal can accommodate gluten-free needs.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but components like roasted vegetables and cooked pasta can be prepared in advance and combined before serving.