Baked Feta and Spinach Pasta
Baked Feta and Spinach Pasta is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dish that has taken the internet by storm. The combination of roasted feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and wilted spinach tossed with pasta creates a simple yet gourmet-like meal you’ll love.
Experience a creamy, cheesy pasta dish bursting with fresh flavors and a touch of tanginess. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
This one-pan recipe is incredibly easy and requires minimal prep. It’s a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients in under an hour.
Tools You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 cups baby spinach, washed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish.
- Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes and drizzle everything with olive oil.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper over the top. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat.
3. Bake the Feta and Tomatoes:
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft and golden.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
5. Add Spinach and Combine:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately add the spinach to the hot feta and tomatoes. The heat will wilt the spinach.
- Using a wooden spoon, mash the feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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Baked Feta and Spinach Pasta
Equipment
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 8 oz block of feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 cups baby spinach washed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz pasta penne, fusilli, or your choice
- Fresh basil leaves chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish.
- Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes and drizzle everything with olive oil.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper over the top. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat.
- Bake the Feta and Tomatoes:
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft and golden.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Add Spinach and Combine:
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately add the spinach to the hot feta and tomatoes. The heat will wilt the spinach.
- Using a wooden spoon, mash the feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Cooking
- Use high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Experiment with other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variation.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Baked Feta and Spinach Pasta is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and elevated. The combination of creamy feta, vibrant tomatoes, and earthy spinach makes it a must-try for pasta lovers.
Treat yourself to a deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta dinner with this Baked Feta and Spinach Pasta recipe. Perfect for busy nights or dinner parties, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection!
