Description
A healthy comfort meal featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and baked feta cheese blended into a creamy sauce with fresh spinach and pasta. Quick, easy, and packed with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 block (about 7 oz / 200g) firm, small-curd feta cheese
- 3 to 4 cups (3 to 4 cups loosely packed, about 3 oz / 90-120g) fresh spinach
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces (225g) penne, fusilli, or any short pasta
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A handful (about 10g) fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) baking dish and spread it around.
- Place the cherry tomatoes in the baking dish, add minced garlic, drizzle with another tablespoon of olive oil, and toss gently to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top if using.
- Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden on top.
- While baking, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup (120ml) pasta water.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the baked feta and tomatoes together with a wooden spoon or spatula to form a creamy sauce.
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce and stir until slightly wilted.
- Add cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if sauce is too thick.
- Stir in the last tablespoon of olive oil and lemon juice to brighten flavors.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately warm.
Notes
Use a block of firm, small-curd feta for best melting and creamy texture. Roast tomatoes whole for better shape and flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add spinach after baking to avoid overcooking. For vegan or dairy-free options, substitute feta with plant-based cheese or cashew cream sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 15
Keywords: baked feta pasta, creamy pasta, tomato pasta, healthy comfort meal, spinach pasta, easy dinner, vegetarian pasta