Go Back
When making Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach, it's key to gather the right ingredients. This dish is simple yet full of flavor. Here’s what you need: - 200g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended) - 200g feta cheese, block - 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) These ingredients create a creamy, savory dish. The feta cheese becomes soft and adds richness. The spinach and tomatoes give freshness. I love how the garlic adds a warm flavor. This dish is quick, tasty, and perfect for any meal. Grab these items, and let's cook something amazing! - Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). This helps cook the dish evenly. - Prepare the baking dish: Grab a large baking dish. Place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped spinach. - Bake the mixture: Place the baking dish in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. The feta should turn golden and soft. The tomatoes will blister and release their juices. - Cook the pasta: While the feta and veggies bake, boil a pot of salted water. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, as per the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. - Mix feta and tomatoes: After baking, take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mix the feta and blistered tomatoes. This will create a creamy sauce. - Incorporate the pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the dish. Toss everything together well. Make sure the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. - Adjust seasoning and garnish: Taste your dish. If needed, add more salt or pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if you like. For the best results, cook the feta pasta for 20-25 minutes. This time allows the feta to soften and the tomatoes to burst. Always season your dish well. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors. Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick. When serving, use deep pasta bowls. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top. This adds richness and shine. Sprinkle fresh basil for a pop of color. You can serve this dish with a side salad or garlic bread. Both complement the meal well. You can prep in advance. Chop the spinach, tomatoes, and garlic earlier in the day. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Bake the dish just before serving. Enjoy it fresh from the oven for the best taste. {{image_4}} You can easily customize this baked feta pasta. Try different cheeses if you want. Goat cheese or ricotta can work well. Each adds a unique taste. You can also swap out the spinach. Kale or arugula are great substitutes. Both will give your dish a different twist. For a sweeter touch, try roasted bell peppers. They add flavor and color too. If you're gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that cook well. You can also make this dish vegan. Use plant-based feta instead of regular feta. You can find these in many stores. For a creamy sauce, blend some cashews to make a cream substitute. To boost flavor, consider adding spices. A pinch of smoked paprika gives a warm taste. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also add protein for a heartier meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs nicely. For a vegetarian option, toss in some chickpeas. They add protein and texture. To store leftovers, let the dish cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will blend nicely over time. For the best reheating, use the oven. Preheat it to 175°C (350°F). Transfer the pasta to an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15 minutes. If you want a quicker method, use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the texture nice and creamy. Yes, you can freeze Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach. To freeze, let it cool fully. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. It will last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven as mentioned earlier for the best results. You can pair this dish with a fresh salad. A simple green salad works well. You could also serve garlic bread on the side. The crispy bread adds a nice crunch. If you want protein, grilled chicken is a great choice. It complements the creamy feta sauce perfectly. You can even add some olives for extra flavor. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. Penne and fusilli work best, but you have options. Bowtie, rotini, or even spaghetti can work. Just make sure to adjust cooking times if needed. Pasta is very forgiving, so don’t stress too much. Choose what you like best for a fun twist. Absolutely! Baked feta pasta with spinach is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it. Just keep it in an airtight container. It will last up to three days in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it. The flavors only get better after a day or two! Feel free to explore various ingredients and spices to make this dish your own! Baked feta pasta with spinach is an easy and tasty dish. We explored the key ingredients, from pasta and fresh veggies to cheese and seasonings. You learned each step, from preparing the dish to baking it to perfection. We shared helpful tips for great flavor and serving ideas. You also discovered variations to suit different diets and preferences. Enjoy making this dish! It’s simple, tasty, and sure to impress.

Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach

Discover the deliciousness of Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach, a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for any meal. This recipe combines creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a mouthwatering experience. Prepped in just 10 minutes and ready in 35, it’s an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and elevate your dinner game with a dish that's sure to impress!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

200g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

200g feta cheese, block

2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F).

    Prepare the Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and chopped spinach.

      Season the Ingredients: Drizzle the olive oil over the arranged ingredients. Sprinkle with dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Lightly toss the cherry tomatoes to ensure they are coated in the oil and seasonings for maximum flavor.

        Bake the Mixture: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes. You want the feta to become golden and soft while the tomatoes blister beautifully.

          Cook the Pasta: While the feta and vegetables are baking, cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

            Combine Ingredients: Once the feta and tomatoes have finished baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, gently mix the feta and blistered tomatoes together until the feta breaks down and forms a creamy sauce.

              Incorporate the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the creamy feta tomato sauce.

                Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to reach your desired flavor profile.

                  Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately while hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve in pasta bowls or plates, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top for added richness, and ensure each bowl has a generous scattering of fresh basil for color and freshness.