Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Feta & Cherry Tomato Pasta Bake! Creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and savory herbs create a flavor-packed delight.
Irresistibly Creamy Feta & Cherry Tomato Pasta Bake: A Flavor-Packed Delight!
If you’re in the mood for a meal that combines simplicity with indulgence, look no further than our Irresistibly Creamy Feta & Cherry Tomato Pasta Bake. This dish is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy feta, bursting cherry tomatoes, and perfectly tender pasta. It’s a one-pan wonder that promises to enchant your taste buds with its rich flavors and inviting aroma. Let’s dive into creating this comforting and satisfying dish!
Ingredients
To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:
- 300 grams of pasta (penne or fusilli work great)
- 200 grams of feta cheese, cubed
- 400 grams of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- 50 grams of grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth of flavor)
Step-by-step Instructions
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). Ensuring your oven is at the right temperature is crucial for the perfect bake.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Remember, you want the pasta to be slightly firm as it will continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Prepare the Baking Dish: In a large ovenproof baking dish, add the cubed feta cheese to the center. Surround the cheese with halved cherry tomatoes.
Season the Dish: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything gently so the flavors meld beautifully.
Bake it Up: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting with juices and the feta is soft and creamy.
Combine with Pasta: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the cooked pasta directly into the dish with the feta and cherry tomato mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy sauce. If using Parmesan cheese and balsamic vinegar, add them now and mix thoroughly.
- Garnish and Finish: Tear fresh basil leaves over the pasta bake before serving. This will add a refreshing burst of color and aroma.
Conclusion
And there you have it—a wonderfully creamy and flavor-packed Feta & Cherry Tomato Pasta Bake ready to be enjoyed. This dish captures the essence of comfort food while remaining sophisticated enough to impress your dinner guests. Pair it with a fresh green salad and a crusty piece of bread for a complete meal. Whether it's a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this pasta bake promises to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated to be delicious, and this recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Bon appétit!