Get ready to transform your weeknight cooking with the most Instagram-worthy pasta dish that's taking the culinary world by storm! This Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach is not just a meal; it's a creamy, flavor-packed experience that will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests begging for the recipe. Imagine a dish so simple yet so incredibly delicious that it combines the tangy richness of melted feta, the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes, and the fresh kick of spinach - all in one irresistible baking dish.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1 block feta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the feta and tomatoes roast perfectly.
- In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are well coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Bake the feta and tomatoes in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add the fresh spinach to the baking dish and stir it into the feta and tomato mixture. The residual heat will wilt the spinach quickly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve the baked feta pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish.
Tips
- Choose the Right Feta: Opt for a high-quality block of feta cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Don't Skimp on Olive Oil: The olive oil helps create a luscious sauce and adds depth to the roasted vegetables.
- Watch Your Tomatoes: Look for blistered and slightly caramelized cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Reserve Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil as a garnish to add a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.
- Customize Your Pasta: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or types to suit your preference.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the oven when the cheese is at its creamiest.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 227kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 18mg
