This baked feta pasta is creamy, cheesy, and packed with goodness from chickpeas. The feta melts beautifully, adding a delightful flavor to the dish that everyone will love!
I love how easy this recipe is! Just toss everything in the oven, and in no time, you’ll have a colorful, tasty meal. Pair it with a simple salad for a perfect dinner! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Cavatappi is perfect for holding sauce, but feel free to use other pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. I love how each shape brings a different twist to the dish!
Feta Cheese: Look for block feta for the best melting experience. If you can’t find it, crumbled feta works too, but the texture will be different. Vegan feta can also be used for a dairy-free option.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and juiciness. If they’re out of season, use canned diced tomatoes instead for a similar effect. Roasted red peppers can also be a tasty substitute!
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are super convenient. If you prefer fresh, cook dried chickpeas in advance. You can also swap with another bean like white beans or black beans for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Make the Best Creamy Sauce from Baked Feta?
The secret to a creamy sauce is mashing the baked feta with tomatoes and chickpeas. Here’s how to get that perfect texture and flavor:
- Once the feta is baked, use a fork or spoon to break it apart really well with the softened tomatoes and chickpeas.
- Mix until you achieve a creamy consistency. The tomatoes will burst, mixing their juices with the feta to create a heavenly sauce!
- If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water while tossing in the cooked pasta. This helps achieve the desired creaminess.
Keep taste testing as you go to find the balance of flavors that you love! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta Dish:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (cavatappi or your choice)
- 1 block (7 oz/200g) feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and approximately 40-45 minutes total, including baking time. You’ll spend the first few minutes gathering your ingredients and assembling your dish, plus time for the pasta to cook. The oven does most of the work, making this a perfect weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats up, gather your baking dish and your ingredients.
2. Assemble the Baking Dish
In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese right in the center. Then, surround it with the cherry tomatoes and the drained chickpeas. It should look colorful and inviting!
3. Seasoning Time
Drizzle the olive oil all over the feta, tomatoes, and chickpeas. Then sprinkle the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper over everything. This will ensure all the flavors blend beautifully as they bake!
4. Bake to Perfection
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have burst and softened, and the feta is golden and meltingly creamy.
5. Cook the Pasta
While the feta bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Remember to save 1 cup of that pasta water before draining!
6. Create the Creamy Sauce
When the baking time is up, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, mash and mix the baked feta, tomatoes, chickpeas, and garlic together into a creamy sauce. It should be wonderfully fragrant!
7. Combine with Pasta
Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until well mixed. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
8. Garnish and Serve
To finish, garnish your dish with freshly sliced basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit more heat. Serve immediately, and feel free to top with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor!
Enjoy your delightful and comforting Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas! It’s a dish that’s sure to please any crowd! 🍽️
Can I Use Other Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While cavatappi is a great choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose!
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for alternatives, crumbled feta can work, but the texture changes slightly. For a dairy-free option, consider using vegan feta. It may not melt the same way but will still provide a nice flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or olive oil to bring back some moisture!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Just toss them in with the cherry tomatoes and chickpeas for roasting, and they’ll soften beautifully!
