Description
Viral Finnish Baked Feta Pasta combines creamy cheese, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs into a simple Mediterranean-inspired dish. Hearty ingredients melt together, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 1 block (8 ounces or 226 grams) feta cheese
- 2 cups (300 grams) cherry tomatoes
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Cooking Liquid:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Arrange a block of feta cheese centrally in a baking dish, encircled by vibrant cherry tomatoes.
- Generously coat the ingredients with olive oil, then shower with minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Position the dish in a preheated oven at 400F (200C) for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until feta softens and tomatoes develop a delightful blistered exterior.
- Concurrently, prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture, then set aside.
- Extract the baking dish from the oven and vigorously mash feta and tomatoes with a fork, transforming them into a luxurious, creamy sauce.
- Integrate the cooked pasta thoroughly with the feta-tomato amalgamation, guaranteeing each strand is lavishly coated.
- Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and flavor by scattering fresh basil leaves across the surface just before presenting to eager diners.
Notes
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor burst and vibrant color in the final dish.
- Use high-quality block feta cheese instead of pre-crumbled for better melting and creamier sauce texture.
- Experiment with adding red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick that complements the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes.
- For a lighter version, substitute regular pasta with zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta to reduce calories and increase nutritional value.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 645 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg