Creamy, Tangy, Satisfying.
This Baked Feta Pasta Topped with Toasted Pine Nuts is a creamy, tangy, and nutty dish that combines the richness of baked feta with the sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes. The toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and a subtle nuttiness, perfectly complementing the velvety sauce. Penne, fusilli or cavatappi pasta works best, as their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. This dish tastes amazing due to the balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. Serve it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine pairs wonderfully with this comforting dish.
Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 10 oz penne, fusilli or cavatappi pasta
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- Fresh basil for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Dish: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 25 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft.
- Toast Pine Nuts: While the feta is baking, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine Everything: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, if needed.
- Add Pine Nuts and Garnish: Stir in the toasted pine nuts, then garnish with fresh basil leaves.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, nutty, and flavorful dish