What is a Pasta with Feta recipe? What is the recipe for baked feta pasta that took the internet by storm? How do you make a tomato and feta bake? Is this one even easier, faster, and dare I say more delicious? Is this a comfort food that can be prepared in under 30 minutes? What do you already have on hand? What is my go-to meal when I’m craving something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours on the couch? In the kitchen. What’s not to like about the creamy, tangy sauce?
What is a Pasta with Feta recipe?
Pasta with Feta Recipe is exactly what it sounds like: pasta with feta. What are some of the best pasta recipes made with feta cheese? Think of it as a shortcut to gourmet meal. What is essentially taking the salty, tangy goodness of feta and transforming it into a sauce that’s creamy and creamy? How does it cling to your favorite pasta shape? Unlike other creamy pasta recipes that rely on heavy cream or complicated cheese sauces, this recipe uses homemade pasta and can be made in a variety of ways. One gets its richness and flavor primarily from the feta itself, which melts down into a dreamy, creamy texture. What is a decade Is it ridiculously simple, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? This recipe has so many things going for it, it’s hard to pick just one! What I love most is the incredible flavor. The combination of salty feta, bright lemon, and a touch of garlic is just divine. It’s a party in your mouth, I tell ya! But beyond the amazing taste, it’s also unbelievably simple to make. We’re talking minimal ingredients and hardly any prep time. This is my secret weapon on those busy weeknights when I’m tempted to order takeout.
Plus, it’s so cost-effective! Feta is relatively inexpensive, especially when you buy it in blocks. And the other ingredients? Olive oil, garlic, lemon – staples that most of us already have in our pantry. What I also really love about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can add all sorts of veggies – spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers – or protein like Grilled Chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal. It’s truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! It’s even quicker than that pesto pasta I make all the time, and less fussy than a proper carbonara.
How do I make Pasta with Feta?
Quick Overview
What is a recipe for Pasta with Feta? What’s the best way to make feta cheese with pasta? How do you melt feta with pasta water to create a creamy consistency? What do you do when you toss everything together and eat dinner? What are some of the best recipes you’ve ever tried?
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (I love using penne or rotini, but any short pasta will work)
* Salt, for the pasta water (don’t skimp on salt – it’s key to flavorful pasta!
What is the recipe for Feta Sauce?
* 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (I prefer using a block of feces and crumbling it myself, but I can’t eat it) Pre-crumbled works too
* 2 cloves garlic, minced (freshly chopped is best)
* 1/4 cup olive oil (good quality olive oils make a difference)
* 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (this is the secret ingredient)!
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed, always!)
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest (adds a lovely brightness)
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
* Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
* Salt and pepper to taste (be careful with the salt, feta is already salty!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Remember, al dente means “to the tooth” – it should have a slight bite to it. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water. Trust me, you’ll need it!
Step 2: Prepare the Feta Sauce
While pasta is cooking, prepare the feta sauce. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, and salt. Set aside. Red pepper flakes (if using). Give it a good stir to combine.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked and drained (reserving that pasta water! ), add it to the bowl with the feta mixture. Pour in the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together vigorously. The heat from the pasta will help the feta melt and create a creamy, dreamy texture. What is the sauce that clings to the pasta? What is the best way to toss a ball?
Step 4: Season and Serve
Taste the pasta and season with salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, as feta is already quite salty. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. I always add a little extra olive oil on top for good measure. Why not?
What should I serve it with?
What is a Pasta with Feta recipe?What is a simple lunch?Serve with a side salad. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette is perfect.What is a hearty dinner?Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables. What is your favorite grilled chicken and roasted asparagus?As a Side Dish:What are some of the best Mediterranean dishes to serve with grilled chicken or fish?For a Crowd:Is this recipe good for potlucks? I made a huge batch for bbq last summer, and it was gone in minutes! Even my picky cousin loved it, and that’s saying something!
How do I make Pasta with Feta?
I’ve made this Pasta with Feta Recipe approximately a million times, so I’ve picked up dozens of recipes. What are some tricks along the way? How can I make my life perfect?Don’t Overcook the Pasta:Why is al dente important? Overcooked pasta will get mushy and won’t hold the sauce as well. Set a timer, and check it one minute before the recommended cooking time.Use good quality Feta: Good quality.What is the best way to prepare feta sauce? I prefer using feta in brine. It tends to be creamier and more flavorful than the pre-crumbled stuff.Don’t skimp on Pasta Water: Is it good for you? This is the secret ingredient that transforms the feta into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve it before draining the pasta!
What is Taste and Adjust?What is the importance of seasoning? Taste the pasta after you’ve tossed it with the feta sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon. How do I make juice to your liking?Add Some Heat:Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It adds a nice warmth and complexity.How do I get creative with add-ins? This recipe is a blank canvas! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, protein, or herbs. Some of my favorites are spinach, cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, and fresh basil.
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare at my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually keep the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of milk or water to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this pasta, as the feta sauce can become grainy and the pasta can get mushy. But honestly, it’s so easy to make, there’s really no need to freeze it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My go-to Pasta with Feta Recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, and everything in between. It’s quick, easy, delicious, and endlessly adaptable. What more could you ask for? If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta recipes, like my creamy tomato pasta or my lemon garlic pasta. I’m sure you’ll love them just as much!
Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
Pasta with Feta Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta
- 4 oz Feta cheese
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a pan and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add cherry tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Drain pasta and add it to the pan with the tomatoes and garlic.
- Crumble feta cheese over the pasta and toss to combine.
