Hello, cooking enthusiasts! Today, I have a dish that promises to transport you straight to a sun-drenched Greek island, without the need for a passport. It’s one of those meals that brings the whole family running to the table, which, in our busy home with four little ones, is quite a feat!
I’m talking about a delightful Baked Feta and Tomato Pasta, featuring plump cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and a sprinkle of olives and basil. It’s a recipe that become a staple in our household. Not only is it simple to prepare—a must when juggling the demands of Edward’s restless energy, Alexander’s budding curiosity, and the needs of the younger ones, Barnaby and Phillipa—but it is also wonderfully delicious.
This dish is inspired by the rustic flavors of Greece, known for its fresh and vibrant ingredients. As someone who appreciates diverse cuisines and bold flavors, I love recipes that bring out the natural sweetness and acidity of tomatoes, balanced beautifully by the creaminess of feta cheese.
Another great thing about this recipe is its flexibility. You can tweak it according to your preferences or what’s available in your pantry. Perhaps you’d like to add a handful of spinach for some extra greens or toss in some grilled chicken for a protein boost. The core ingredients are so versatile that they’ll accommodate whatever you throw their way.
Preparing this dish can also be a fun event for the family. If your kids like to “help” in the kitchen as mine do, they can join in by washing the tomatoes or sprinkling the herbs—a wonderful opportunity to kindle a love for cooking and healthy eating habits early on.
And let’s not forget the aroma that fills the kitchen as the dish bakes—a heavenly mix of garlic, oregano, and melting cheese mingling with the sweetness of ripe tomatoes. It never fails to draw my family from whichever corner of the house they’re in, faces lit up with anticipation.
When you scoop out a bowlful of this creamy pasta, adorned with the freshness of basil and a hint of zest from the lemon, you get a taste of something not only rich in flavor but also in spirit. It’s a dish that embodies family dinners shared in the lively Mediterranean style, filled with laughter and chatter, a feeling that resonates perfectly with the lively buzz of our dinner table.
So why not take a culinary journey to Greece tonight? This Baked Feta and Tomato Pasta is sure to become a cherished dish in your home, just as it is in ours. Happy cooking, and until next time, may your kitchen be filled with great food and wonderful memories!
Ingredients
– 200g feta cheese
– 300g cherry tomatoes
– 300g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
– 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
– 1/2 cup (75g) pitted black olives, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
– Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F).
2. In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the cherry tomatoes.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle the minced garlic, oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper over the top.
4. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
5. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta.
6. Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
7. Add the cooked pasta, sliced olives, and reserved pasta water to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
8. Stir in the fresh basil leaves and lemon zest (if using) just before serving.
9. Serve the dish warm, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
