Description
This easy Baked Feta Pasta recipe combines warm, roasted plant-based cheese with succulent fresh cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic for a creamy, comforting pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal ingredients and simple preparation create a rich, flavorful meal that can be customized with your favorite veggies or spices for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 block plant-based cheese (about 7 oz)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled
- 3 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 8 oz uncooked penne or fusilli pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of plant-based cheese in the center of a baking dish. Arrange the whole cherry tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves evenly around the cheese. Drizzle generously with olive oil (natural) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Roast the Cheese and Tomatoes: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the cheese is soft and the tomatoes have burst, releasing their juices and caramelizing slightly to create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Cook the Pasta: While the cheese and tomatoes are roasting, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for adjusting the sauce later if needed.
- Mix Pasta with Roasted Mixture: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, mash the softened cheese and roasted tomatoes together to form a creamy sauce. Slowly add the cooked pasta to the dish, tossing gently to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Add Finishing Touches: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil (natural) for the best flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to help bind the sauce and pasta smoothly.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes provide natural sweetness and richness.
- Let the pasta rest a few minutes after mixing to let flavors meld.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding more reserved pasta water or olive oil (natural) as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked feta pasta, plant-based cheese, creamy pasta, roasted tomatoes, easy dinner, gluten free pasta, quick pasta recipe