Save A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring creamy baked feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and briny olives, all tossed with al dente pasta for a simple yet irresistible meal.
This pasta quickly became a favorite in our home thanks to its combination of bold flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese block: 200 g
- Cherry tomatoes: 500 g halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Short pasta: 300 g (e.g. penne fusilli or rigatoni)
- Kalamata olives: 100 g pitted and halved
- Extra-virgin olive oil: 2 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Fresh basil leaves: to serve
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Set oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Arrange ingredients:
- Place feta in center of baking dish and surround with cherry tomatoes and olives
- Season:
- Drizzle olive oil sprinkle with minced garlic oregano and crushed red pepper flakes season with salt and pepper
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft
- Cook pasta:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente reserve half a cup of pasta cooking water then drain
- Mash:
- Remove baking dish from oven mash feta and tomatoes together mixing well to create creamy sauce
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to baking dish tossing to coat add reserved pasta water if needed for silkier sauce
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately
Save Our family loves gathering around this dish especially on warm evenings when Mediterranean flavors feel just right.
Notes
Try adding baby spinach or arugula for more greens. Excellent wine pairing includes crisp Sauvignon Blanc or dry rosé.
Required Tools
Baking dish large pot colander mixing spoon or fork chefs knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta cheese) and wheat (pasta unless gluten-free variety is used). Check olives for potential nut contamination. Always read labels if allergies apply.
Save 
A simple flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or casual dinner parties.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and work perfectly.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
Feta's creamy, tangy profile is key, but halloumi or fresh goat cheese can be alternatives with different textures.
- → How can I make the sauce silkier?
Add reserved pasta cooking water gradually to the feta-tomato mixture while tossing pasta for a smooth sauce.
- → Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Yes, baby spinach or arugula can be stirred in after baking for extra greens and freshness.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé complements the creamy feta and bright tomatoes beautifully.