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Creamy Comfort Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil

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A simple and indulgent baked feta pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, perfect for cozy nights and quick dinners. This creamy, tangy sauce clings beautifully to penne or rigatoni for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 7 oz block of full-fat feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained slightly
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Lemon zest (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the block of feta in the center of a medium-sized ovenproof baking dish (about 8×8 inches). Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic slices around the feta.
  3. Drizzle everything evenly with 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season lightly with black pepper and red pepper flakes if using. Do not add salt as the feta is already salty.
  4. Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes until the feta softens and turns golden on top and the garlic is fragrant. Watch carefully after 30 minutes to avoid burning.
  5. While the feta roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the softened feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Add lemon zest if desired.
  7. Add the hot pasta to the baking dish and toss with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired creaminess.
  8. Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving.
  9. Serve immediately while warm. Optionally drizzle with more olive oil and garnish with extra basil leaves.

Notes

Do not overbake the feta to keep it creamy and soft. Use pasta water gradually to achieve a silky sauce texture. Add fresh basil last to preserve its bright flavor. Rinse sun-dried tomatoes briefly if too salty or chewy. Thinly slice garlic instead of mincing to avoid bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked feta pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, easy dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/creamy-comfort-baked-feta-pasta-recipe-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-basil-easy/