Cheesy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables

Welcome to a culinary delight that is as simple to make as it is delicious to eat – Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta! This recipe is a harmonious blend of vibrant roasted vegetables, creamy feta, and aromatic basil, all coming together to create a dish that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The star of this show is undoubtedly the baked feta, which transforms into a velvety, almost fondue-like consistency when combined with roasted garlic and juicy tomatoes.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal that feels special or a dish to impress your guests at a gathering, this Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta ticks all the boxes. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility – feel free to swap out vegetables or pasta varieties to suit your preferences. And if feta is not your cheese of choice, creamy ricotta or tangy goat cheese make for excellent substitutes.

As someone who cherishes the joy of sharing good food with loved ones, I can attest that this dish has a magical way of bringing people together over a comforting bowl of pasta. So gather your family and friends, set the table with a simple green salad on the side, and get ready to savor a meal that is not just delicious but also a true celebration of togetherness. Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta is a recipe that is meant to be enjoyed, shared, and cherished – a true household favorite in the making.

Quick Benefits

• Effortless yet crowd-pleasing dish
• Vibrant roasted vegetables and creamy feta
• Perfect for sharing with friends and family
• Versatile – easy to customize with different vegetables and cheeses

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables Recipe

• Effortless and crowd-pleasing dish that impresses friends and family
• Vibrant roasted vegetables, creamy feta, and fresh basil create a comforting and flavorful meal
• Creamy baked feta turns fondue-like when mixed with roasted garlic and juicy tomatoes
• Leftovers can be stored for up to three days and taste delicious reheated with a splash of water or milk
• Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient swaps like different veggies or cheese options
• Can be served as a complete meal with a simple green salad or enhanced with grilled chicken or roasted shrimp
• Inspired by a viral Finnish baked feta pasta, this recipe has Mediterranean roots and is loved by teenagers and potluck attendees alike
• Make-ahead friendly, allowing for freezing and reheating for busy days
• Perfect for sharing and guaranteed to become a household favorite

Ingredients for Cheesy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables

Vegetables and Aromatics

• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, whole

Oils and Seasonings

• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Kosher salt, to taste
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/4 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes

Cheeses

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 block feta cheese, drained

Pasta

• 1 pound pasta

Herbs

• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Pro Tips for Cheesy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables

For this Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta, try using short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to better hold the creamy sauce and roasted vegetables. Remember to bake the feta until softened and then gently mash it with the roasted vegetables for that creamy, flavorful base. Adding a splash of reserved pasta water while mixing helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and creates a silkier finish.

To enhance the dish, consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and variety. If you’re looking to change things up, swap zucchini with yellow squash, bell peppers, or eggplant, and feel free to use different types of cheese like ricotta or soft goat cheese if feta is too salty for your taste. Lastly, leftovers can be enjoyed as a cold pasta salad when tossed with extra lemon juice and olive oil or reheated gently with a splash of water or milk to restore the creaminess.

How to Make Cheesy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Vegetable Base

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Combine cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, diced onion, and whole garlic cloves in a 3-quart baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Assemble and Bake Feta With Vegetables

Place the drained feta cheese block in the center of the vegetables, season with salt and pepper, and bake at 400°F for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens. Increase oven temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 10 minutes until feta develops a light golden crust.

Step 3: Cook Pasta Until Al Dente

Once the vegetables and feta are in the oven, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Before draining, set aside 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Create Creamy Feta and Vegetable Sauce

Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Mash the softened feta and garlic with a fork into the roasted vegetables to make a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Transfer drained pasta to the baking dish and coat evenly with the sauce. Adjust sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if needed.

Step 6: Finish With Herbs and Cheese

Top the pasta with chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot immediately.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta dish, any leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, it is recommended to gently warm it up with a splash of water or milk to help restore the creamy texture of the sauce. Freezing the dish is also an option, but it is best to freeze it without the fresh basil added until serving, as basil tends to darken when frozen.

To freeze the Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta, it is advisable to make the sauce base in advance, let it cool completely, and then freeze it in a sturdy container for up to two months. When you are ready to enjoy it, simply defrost the sauce in the refrigerator, rewarm it gently, and toss it with freshly cooked pasta and basil. This dish is versatile and adaptable, allowing for different vegetables and cheeses to be used based on personal preferences, making it a delicious and flexible meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a twist on the vegetable mix, consider swapping zucchini with yellow squash, bell peppers, or eggplant to introduce different flavors and textures to the dish. This substitution can add variety and seasonal flair to the baked feta vegetable pasta.

If you’re looking to make this dish healthier or accommodate dietary preferences, opt for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta as a suitable substitute. This change can enhance the nutritional profile of the meal and cater to individuals with specific dietary needs or preferences.

In case feta cheese is too salty for your liking, try ricotta salata or creamy goat cheese as milder alternatives. These cheeses can provide a similar creamy texture and complement the roasted vegetables and pasta beautifully while offering a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting your Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta in individual cast iron skillets for a rustic and charming touch. The personal-sized skillets not only look adorable but also keep the dish warm at the table, allowing everyone to dig in and savor the creamy, comforting flavors together.

Another fun idea is to turn this dish into a pasta bar for a casual gathering. Set out bowls of additional toppings like crispy bacon bits, toasted pine nuts, or sun-dried tomatoes for guests to customize their plates. Provide different pasta shapes for variety and let everyone create their own unique combination of flavors and textures. This interactive setup is sure to be a hit and adds a festive twist to the meal.

FAQs for Cheesy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables

Can I add other vegetables to the Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta?

Yes, you may add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and variety in the dish.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well and mix easily with the roasted vegetables.

When should I mash the feta cheese with the roasted vegetables?

Bake the feta until softened, then gently mash it with the roasted vegetables right after removing from the oven.

Can I adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed?

Yes, a splash of reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and creates a silkier finish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta is a delightful dish that effortlessly combines the richness of feta cheese with the freshness of roasted vegetables and aromatic basil. It’s a recipe that is sure to please both your loved ones and your taste buds. The versatility of this dish allows for endless variations, making it a perfect go-to meal for any season or occasion.

Whether you are looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a potluck, Baked Feta Vegetable Pasta is a winner. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and let the creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly roasted veggies elevate your pasta game to new heights. Enjoy the process of creating this flavorful dish and savor every bite of this crowd-pleasing favorite!