A simple, viral pasta dish that blew up on social media — roasted cherry tomatoes and a block of feta melt into a creamy sauce when baked, then tossed with pasta.
Ingredients (serves 3–4)
- 400 g short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
- 200–220 g block of feta cheese
- 500 g cherry tomatoes (or vine tomatoes, halved)
- 3–4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, handful, torn (for garnish)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, brightens flavor)
Equipment
- Oven-proof baking dish (about 20x30 cm) or a rimmed baking tray
- Pot for cooking pasta
Method
1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
2. In the baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and sliced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
3. Place the block of feta in the center of the tomatoes (you can nestle it slightly). Drizzle a little olive oil over the feta and add a bit of black pepper on top.
4. Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, until tomatoes are soft, blistered and bursting, and the feta is warm and slightly golden on top. If you like more caramelization, turn on the broiler for 1–2 minutes—watch carefully.
5. While the feta and tomatoes roast, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
6. Remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, mash and stir the roasted tomatoes and feta together to create a creamy sauce. Add lemon zest now if using.
7. Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat. If the sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach a silky consistency. Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
8. Finish with torn fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Add sautéed spinach or cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Use a splash of cream or a knob of butter if you want an even richer sauce.
- For smoky flavor, roast on a tray with a few anchovy fillets or add smoked paprika.
- Make it spicy by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a little harissa paste before baking.
Approximate times
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Bake: 25–35 minutes
- Pasta cook & finish: 10 minutes
- Total: ~45–55 minutes
Ulasan
Catat Ulasan