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- 200g pasta (penne or fusilli) - 200g feta cheese - 300g cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) For this baked feta pasta, you can choose between penne or fusilli. Both types hold sauce well. Feta cheese is the star of this dish. It becomes creamy and flavorful when baked. Use a block of feta, not crumbles. Next, gather your essential ingredients. Cherry tomatoes add natural sweetness and color. Fresh spinach brings nutrition and a nice green touch. Garlic gives a fragrant kick. Olive oil helps everything roast beautifully. Dried oregano adds a lovely herb flavor. Don't forget the salt and pepper to enhance all the tastes. Finally, fresh basil leaves and optional grated Parmesan cheese will elevate your meal. They add a fresh finish and extra flavor. With these ingredients, you create a delicious, healthy dish that is easy to make. 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure your dish cooks evenly. 2. In a baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. 3. Season the tomatoes with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss them well to coat. 4. Place the block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle the remaining olive oil on top. 1. Boil water in a large pot. Add salt to the water to enhance the pasta's flavor. 2. Add 200g of pasta, either penne or fusilli. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. 3. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest. This water is key for your sauce. 1. While the feta and tomatoes bake for 25-30 minutes, prepare the spinach. 2. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic. 3. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, add 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook until wilted. 4. Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta with the tomatoes. 5. Add the cooked pasta and wilted spinach to the baking dish. Toss everything together. 6. Add reserved pasta water little by little. Mix until you reach your desired sauce thickness. 7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and optional Parmesan cheese. To bake feta well, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for a soft, golden block of feta and roasted tomatoes. This temperature helps the cheese melt and blend with the tomatoes, adding rich flavor. Use the reserved pasta water to get the sauce just right. After cooking your pasta, save one cup of that starchy water. Once you mix everything, add a little at a time. This water helps the sauce cling to the pasta and creates a creamy texture. Want to boost the taste? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can brighten the dish. You can also mix in a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. {{image_2}} You can swap feta for vegan cheese. Look for a block style that melts well. This keeps the creamy texture. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor, too. For a dairy-free option, use cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. This makes a rich, creamy alternative. Boost the nutrition with more veggies. Try adding zucchini or bell peppers. You can roast them alongside the tomatoes. Broccoli or kale also works well. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. Peas or corn add a sweet touch too. Mix and match based on what you like. Want to make it heartier? Add protein like chicken or shrimp. For chicken, grill or sauté pieces before mixing in. Shrimp cooks fast, so add them when you combine pasta. Both options enhance flavor and texture. They also make the meal more filling. Choose what fits your taste and diet best. To keep your Baked Feta Pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. - Freeze: If you want to store it longer, freeze it. Use freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 3 months. - Avoid sogginess: Make sure the pasta cools before sealing. This will prevent excess moisture. Reheating is simple and ensures great taste: 1. Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through. 2. Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Bake for 15-20 minutes. 3. Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil. Stir in the pasta until heated through. Enjoy your pasta just as delicious as the first time! Yes, you can swap feta for other cheeses. Goat cheese or ricotta work well. Each cheese adds a unique flavor. Goat cheese gives a tangy taste, while ricotta makes it creamy. You can even try a mix for added depth. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options, like rice or chickpea pasta. Cook it just like regular pasta and follow the rest of the steps. This way, you keep all the great flavors. Using fresh cherry tomatoes is key to keeping them juicy. Choose ripe, plump tomatoes for the best results. Tossing them with olive oil and seasoning helps too. Roasting them at the right temperature keeps them tender and flavorful. This blog post covered how to make baked feta pasta. You learned about key ingredients like pasta, feta, and fresh veggies. We went through step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips for the best results. You also discovered variations to fit your taste and storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy creating this dish! It’s simple to make and packed with flavor. Try adding your favorite ingredients to make it your own. With practice, you’ll create a dish everyone loves.

Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach

Indulge in the deliciousness of baked feta pasta with spinach and cherry tomatoes! This easy recipe combines creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, fresh spinach, and al dente pasta for a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you can whip up a comforting meal in just 40 minutes. Click through to unlock the full recipe and enjoy a delightful dinner that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

200g pasta (penne or fusilli)

200g feta cheese

300g cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano, then toss to coat evenly.

      Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

        Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are roasted and the feta is slightly golden and soft.

          While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the rest.

            In a large skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

              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 until creamy.

                Add the cooked pasta and wilted spinach to the baking dish. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

                  Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                    Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4