Baked Feta and Roasted Tomato Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Creamy pasta with baked feta and deeply caramelized tomatoes, ready in under 45 minutes. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs spaghetti, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes until tomatoes burst and edges are golden.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant — do not brown the garlic.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss vigorously for 1 minute until pasta is coated and sauce begins to thicken.
  5. Step 5: Stir in roasted tomatoes and 6 oz feta cheese cubes, cooking for 2 minutes until feta melts and sauce coats pasta. Add 1/4 cup fresh basil and toss to combine.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Feta and Roasted Tomato Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Feta and Roasted Tomato Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Feta and Roasted Tomato Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Feta and Roasted Tomato Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Feta and Roasted Tomato Pasta vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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