Introduction:
Baked Feta and Roasted Veggie Pasta is a vibrant and comforting dish that combines the creamy richness of baked feta cheese with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables. This pasta is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and is incredibly simple to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal for guests.
The magic happens when juicy cherry tomatoes and colorful veggies roast alongside a block of feta cheese, softening and blending into a luscious sauce. Tossed with your favorite pasta, this dish offers a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory notes. Itโs also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and protein, making it both delicious and nutritious.
Whether youโre a vegetarian or just love wholesome, flavorful meals, this pasta is sure to satisfy your cravings while nourishing your body.
How to Make Delicious Baked Feta and Roasted Veggie Pasta:
Cook Time:
Prep: 15 minutes
Roasting: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Nutritious details:
- High in protein and calcium from feta cheese
- Loaded with antioxidant-rich roasted vegetables
- Contains healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil
- Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- 1 block (7 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Detailed Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
- In a large baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the veggies. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top of the feta.
- Roast in the oven for 30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
- While vegetables roast, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the feta and roasted veggies together with a fork to create a creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve warm.
Expert Tips:
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Swap in other seasonal veggies like eggplant or mushrooms for variety.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Save any leftovers for next-day lunch โ flavors deepen after resting.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Conclusion:
Baked Feta and Roasted Veggie Pasta is a simple yet impressive dish that brings together creamy cheese and sweet, roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal. Itโs perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, flavorful pasta recipe thatโs easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients. Whether youโre cooking for yourself or entertaining friends, this pasta will be a hit every time!