Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach & Tomatoes
A creamy, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pasta made with baked feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and herbs. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) block feta cheese
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, fusilli, or bowtie)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste (feta is naturally salty)
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large pot
- Colander
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the baking dish.
- Stir in garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center.
- Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for 30–35 minutes, until:
- Tomatoes are soft and bursting.
- Feta is warm and lightly golden.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the feta bakes:
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
- Remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Mash the feta and roasted tomatoes together until creamy.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Add Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach.
- Stir until it wilts from the heat.
Step 7: Combine
- Add cooked pasta.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a creamier sauce.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with:
- Fresh basil
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest
- Fresh parsley
Serve immediately.
Tips
- Use block feta instead of crumbled for the creamiest texture.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works well.
- Roasting the tomatoes until they burst creates the sweetest flavor.
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Not recommended, as feta and tomatoes may change texture after thawing.
Reheating:
- Microwave for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Or warm gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 560mg
Nut Information
Contains
- ✅ Milk (feta cheese)
- ✅ Wheat/Gluten (regular pasta, unless gluten-free pasta is used)
Does NOT Contain (Standard Recipe)
- Peanuts
- Tree Nuts
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Pistachios
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamia Nuts
- Brazil Nuts
- Pine Nuts
- Sesame
- Eggs
- Soy (unless present in specific pasta or feta brands)
Allergy Note: Always read labels on packaged pasta, feta cheese, and seasonings, as manufacturing practices vary and cross-contact with allergens is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
A: Yes, but a block of feta melts into a creamier sauce than pre-crumbled feta.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I add protein?
A: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas pair wonderfully with this dish.
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the sauce.
Q: What other vegetables can I add?
A: Zucchini, mushrooms, bell peppers, asparagus, broccoli, or artichoke hearts all work well.
Q: Can I prepare it ahead of time?
A: You can roast the feta and tomatoes in advance and refrigerate them. Cook fresh pasta and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Why is my sauce too thick?
A: Stir in a little of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Q: What can I serve with baked feta pasta?
A: Garlic bread, a Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken make excellent side dishes.
