Description
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired pasta dish featuring oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy feta. Achieve a luxuriously rich texture without heavy cream or butter by combining caramelized tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and perfectly cooked pasta in 50 minutes. The smoky, herby finish pairs beautifully for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Sweet cherry tomatoes 2 pints (about 300g)
Feta cheese 1 7oz block (about 200g)
Olive oil 3–5 TBS (adjust based on desired richness)
Garlic 2–3 cloves, minced
Oregano 1 pinch (fresh or dried)
Salt and black pepper To taste
Fresh basil 2 TBS, finely chopped
Dry pasta 8 oz (short shapes preferred like rotini or penne)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9-inch square baking dish
Evenly spread rinsed and patted dry sweet cherry tomatoes in the dish, ensuring no overlapping
Drizzle with olive oil (start with 3 TBS for medium richness), then gently toss
Distribute minced garlic, oregano, basil, and a light seasoning of salt/pepper over the tomatoes
Place feta cheese block in the center and lightly oil the top
Roast for 35-40 minutes until tomatoes wrinkle and are tender, and feta becomes melted and golden
Meanwhile, cook pasta 8 oz (425g) dry pasta in boiling, salted water until al dente
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining
Toss cooked pasta with roasted tomato-feta mixture in the baking dish
Add reserved pasta water 2-5 TBS and mix until sauce coats the noodles
Notes
For dairy-free option, substitute feta with 7oz queso fresco
Fresh oregano can be used or substitute with 1/2 tsp dried
Optimal results using short pasta shapes with texture (rotini, penne)
Adjust olive oil quantity based on preference (3 TBS for light, 5 TBS for rich)
Pasta water is optional but recommended for a silky sauce
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Viral TikTok Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 35mg