Baked Feta Pasta has taken the internet by storm—and for good reason. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh roasted vegetables, all made in one baking dish with minimal effort. The secret? Baking a block of feta until it’s soft and melty, then mixing it into roasted tomatoes and veggies to create an irresistible sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is a no-fuss favorite that delivers bold flavors with simple ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta
- One-Pan Magic: Everything bakes together, making cleanup a breeze.
- Naturally Vegetarian: Protein-rich feta and loads of veggies keep it hearty.
- Customizable: Mix and match vegetables or pasta types with ease.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Leftovers are even tastier the next day.
- Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: A few pantry staples transform into a restaurant-worthy dish.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 55-65 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- ½ sweet onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ¼ tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 block feta cheese (drained)
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 3-quart baking dish, toss together the cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, diced onion, and minced garlic with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2️⃣ Bake the Feta & Vegetables
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestled among the veggies. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to burst and the feta is softened. Then, increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes to lightly brown the feta on top.
3️⃣ Cook the Pasta
While the feta and vegetables are roasting, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, smash the feta and roasted vegetables together until they form a creamy, textured sauce. The juices from the tomatoes combined with the olive oil and feta will create a luscious coating for the pasta.
5️⃣ Combine & Toss
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until well coated in the feta-vegetable sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you reach a silky consistency that clings to the pasta.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve
Top with freshly chopped basil and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Pasta
- Use Block Feta in Brine: It melts smoother than pre-crumbled varieties.
- Don’t Overbake the Feta: Aim for soft and just lightly golden for the creamiest texture.
- Add Olive Oil Generously: It helps emulsify the sauce and adds richness.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is key for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
- Customize the Veggies: Bell peppers, eggplant, or spinach make great additions.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better!
- Freeze: Can be frozen for up to 3 months, though veggies may soften upon thawing.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce.
What to Serve With Baked Feta Pasta
Pair this rich, savory pasta with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or warm focaccia for dipping
- Roasted asparagus or green beans for extra veggies
Nutrition Estimate (Entire Dish)
- Calories: 2300-2500
- Protein: 70-80g
- Fat: 180-200g
- Carbohydrates: 200-220g
(Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portions.)
Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables is a recipe that brings together simplicity and bold Mediterranean flavors in a way that feels special, yet completely fuss-free. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this viral favorite is sure to hit the spot. Creamy, veggie-packed, and endlessly adaptable—what’s not to love?
Print
Best Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Pasta is creamy, comforting, and bursting with fresh roasted vegetables, all made in one baking dish with minimal effort. The secret? Baking a block of feta until soft and melty, then mixing it into roasted tomatoes and veggies to create an irresistible sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- ½ sweet onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ¼ tbsp crushed red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 block feta cheese (drained)
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 3-quart baking dish, toss cherry tomatoes, zucchini, onion, and garlic with olive oil. Season with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Place feta block in center of dish among veggies. Drizzle with extra olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens. Increase oven to 450°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes to lightly brown the feta.
- While baking, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Remove baking dish from oven. Smash feta and roasted vegetables together with a fork to create a creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until coated. Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce. Customize with other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: baked feta, pasta, roasted vegetables, viral pasta, easy dinner