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- 400g pasta (penne or fusilli) - 300g cherry tomatoes, halved - 200g feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing (optional) When I make Tomato Basil Feta Pasta, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. The pasta serves as the base, and I like using either penne or fusilli. Both types hold onto the sauce well. The cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweet flavor. Halving them lets their juices blend into the dish. Feta cheese is key for a creamy texture and tangy taste. Crumbling it makes it easy to mix in. Fresh basil brings a fragrant aroma and vibrant color. I always chop the leaves roughly to keep their flavor strong. Garlic adds depth, while olive oil ties everything together. I often drizzle in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Seasoning with salt and pepper enhances the flavors of the dish. For those who enjoy a cheesy finish, I sometimes sprinkle grated Parmesan on top. It adds flavor and a nice touch to the meal. You can find the Full Recipe above, which provides clear steps to create this delightful dish. - Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. - Bring it to a strong boil. - Add the pasta and cook as the package says until it is al dente. - Before draining, save 1 cup of the pasta water. - Drain the pasta and place it back in the pot. - In a big bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta, minced garlic, and olive oil. - If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. - Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. - Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the tomato mix. - Use tongs or a large spoon to toss it all together. - Make sure the pasta gets coated well with the olive oil and feta. - If the pasta looks dry, slowly mix in the reserved pasta water. - Keep adding until it has a nice creamy look. - Gently fold in the fresh basil leaves just before serving. - This helps the basil wilt a bit and releases its lovely aroma. - Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor. Fresh tomatoes and basil make a big difference. - Don’t overcook the pasta. Aim for al dente to keep it firm and tasty. - You can experiment with different herbs. Try adding thyme or oregano for a twist. - A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. It adds zing and balances the feta's creaminess. - For extra protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp. It turns the pasta into a hearty meal. - Serve the pasta warm right after cooking. It tastes best when fresh and hot. - Pair with a side salad or crusty bread. This completes the meal and adds great texture. - For a fun touch, sprinkle some extra feta on top. It makes the dish look inviting and delicious. Remember, you can always check the Full Recipe for detailed steps and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_4}} You can easily change this dish to suit your taste. If you want a deeper flavor, swap cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes. They add a rich, tangy touch that makes the dish unique. Another tasty option is to use goat cheese instead of feta. Goat cheese has a creamier texture and a different taste profile. This change can surprise your palate and give you a fresh experience. If you follow a gluten-free diet, simply use gluten-free pasta. This way, you can enjoy the meal without worry. For those who want a vegan option, omit the cheese entirely. You can also replace it with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast. These substitutes let you savor the dish while keeping it plant-based. Remember, these variations keep the dish fun and exciting! Store any leftover Tomato Basil Feta Pasta in an airtight container in your fridge. For the best taste, eat it within 3-4 days. This helps keep the flavors fresh and vibrant. You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To enjoy it later, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge before reheating. This method helps to maintain its taste and texture. To reheat, warm the pasta on the stove with a splash of olive oil or pasta water. This adds moisture and keeps it creamy. If you prefer the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring to ensure even heating. This way, you avoid hot spots and enjoy a warm meal. Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and combine them just before serving. This makes it easy to enjoy a fresh meal without much hassle. Just chop the tomatoes, crumble the feta, and mince the garlic beforehand. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook. It pairs well with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread. A crisp salad adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread offers a warm, buttery taste that complements the pasta. While fresh is recommended for optimal flavor, you can use dried herbs in smaller quantities. Dried herbs can work well but may not give the same vibrant taste. If you use dried basil, cut the amount in half to avoid overpowering the dish. The red pepper flakes are optional; omit them for a milder dish. If you like heat, add them to your taste. This way, you control how spicy you want your pasta. The complete cooking instructions and ingredient details are provided in the Step-by-Step Instructions section. You can follow those steps for a delicious meal every time. This dish combines fresh ingredients for a simple yet tasty meal. You learned how to cook pasta, prepare a rich tomato mixture, and mix everything for a delightful dish. Remember to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Feel free to experiment with variations that suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it right away or save it for later, Tomato Basil Feta Pasta is sure to please. Enjoy making it and sharing it with family and friends!

Tomato Basil Feta Pasta

Discover the delicious Tomato Basil Feta Pasta Delight that's quick and easy to make! This vibrant dish combines fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and aromatic basil for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for any meal, it comes together in just 30 minutes and is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta nights with this delightful twist!
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Ingredients
  

400g pasta (penne or fusilli)

300g cherry tomatoes, halved

200g feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside in the pot.

    Prepare the Tomato Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, and drizzle in the olive oil. If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.

      Combine Pasta and Tomato Mixture: Add the drained, hot pasta directly into the bowl with the tomato mixture. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the olive oil, feta, and tomato juices.

        Adjust Consistency: If the pasta appears too dry, gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, adding a few tablespoons at a time, until you reach a creamy and smooth consistency that clings to the pasta beautifully.

          Add Fresh Basil: Right before serving, gently fold in the chopped fresh basil leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly from the heat of the pasta while infusing a vibrant aroma.

            Serve: Dish the luscious pasta into individual serving bowls. For an added touch of color and flavor, garnish with additional fresh basil and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4