This baked feta pasta is a bright and tasty dish that’s super easy to whip up. Creamy feta cheese and tender chickpeas blend beautifully with your favorite pasta. Yum!
It’s a crowd-pleaser! You just toss everything together in the oven and let it bake while you relax. I love adding extra veggies for color and crunch. What’s your favorite twist? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I love using penne or rigatoni for this dish, but you can be flexible! Consider whole wheat or gluten-free options if needed. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary.
Feta Cheese: Traditional feta brings a salty, creamy flavor; however, if you need a dairy-free option, try a plant-based feta or tofu mixed with lemon juice and nutritional yeast for a similar tang.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient. If you prefer, you can use cooked lentils or white beans for a different texture. They both add a nice protein boost too!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet cherry tomatoes give a pop of flavor, but if they’re not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead; the flavor might be slightly different but still delicious!
How Do I Get the Right Creamy Texture When Baking?
Getting that creamy texture from the feta and tomatoes is key to this dish. Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Ensure to bake the feta long enough—about 30 minutes at 400°F (200°C) should do the trick! You want the feta to soften and the tomatoes to burst.
- After baking, mash the feta and tomatoes together until they’re well combined. This creates a smooth sauce that clings to the pasta.
- If the sauce feels too thick, gently mix in some reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess.
With these tips, you’ll get that creamy, luscious dish every time. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 225g) pasta (like penne or rigatoni)
For the Main Dish:
- 1 block (about 7 oz / 200g) feta cheese
- 1 pint (about 300g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, sliced thinly
- Freshly ground black pepper, for serving
- Optional: lemon zest or lemon juice for brightness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious baked feta pasta dish takes about 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes of cooking, making the total time around 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it’s hot enough to roast the tomatoes and melt the feta nicely.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, and minced garlic. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle the dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good toss to make sure everything is well coated.
3. Add the Feta:
Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of the tomato and chickpea mixture. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta to give it extra flavor.
4. Bake It:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You’re looking for the tomatoes to burst and the feta to become soft and slightly golden on top.
5. Cook the Pasta:
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
6. Mix It Up:
Once the baking time is up, take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork or a spoon to mash the softened feta and burst tomatoes together until it’s creamy and combined.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together gently until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce feels a bit thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s just right!
8. Season to Taste:
Give it a taste! Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, and add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of zest if desired because a little brightness goes a long way!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the baked feta pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil slices and a little extra black pepper on top. Dig in and enjoy your comforting, flavorful dish!
With the creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, and hearty chickpeas, this dish is bound to become a favorite. Happy cooking!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Feta?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use goat cheese or ricotta. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will differ, but it will still be delicious!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, for a vegan version, use a block of plant-based feta or try crumbled firm tofu mixed with a bit of lemon juice and nutritional yeast for that tangy flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Cherry Tomatoes?
No problem! You can substitute with canned diced tomatoes; just drain them slightly to avoid excess liquid. Fresh grape or Roma tomatoes also work well if they’re on hand.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
