Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach Easy Flavorful Dinner
Looking for a quick, tasty dinner? Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach has you covered! This dish combines creamy feta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes for a flavor-packed meal you can whip up in no time. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll impress your family while enjoying dinner stress-free. Get ready to make tonight’s dinner the best part of your day!
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
– 200g pasta (penne or fusilli)
Key Ingredients
– 200g feta cheese
– 2 cups fresh spinach
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasoning and Garnish
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Grated parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
I love how simple this dish is. First, you need the right pasta. I prefer penne or fusilli. Both hold the sauce well. Next, gather your key ingredients. Feta cheese gives a creamy taste. Fresh spinach adds a nice green touch. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color.
For seasoning, use garlic for flavor. Dried oregano adds a classic Italian note. If you like heat, throw in some red pepper flakes. Olive oil brings it all together, while salt and pepper enhance the taste. Don’t forget fresh basil for garnish! Parmesan is great on top, too, if you want.
These ingredients mix well to create a tasty and colorful dish. Each bite is full of flavor. You can easily customize this list based on what you have. Enjoy cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Dish
– Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step is key for a great bake.
– Step 2: Prepare the baking dish
Grab a baking dish. Place the feta cheese in the center. Surround it with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. This mix will bring out amazing flavors.
Baking Instructions
– Step 3: Combine cheese and veggies
Drizzle three tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese and veggies. Sprinkle with one teaspoon of dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them.
– Step 4: Bake until golden
Put the dish in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Look for the feta to be golden and soft, and the tomatoes to blister. This is when the magic happens.
Cooking the Pasta
– Step 5: Cook pasta until al dente
While the feta bakes, cook 200g of pasta per the package instructions. Aim for al dente. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
– Step 6: Mix pasta with the sauce
Once the feta and tomatoes are done, take out the dish. Use a fork to gently mix everything together. The feta should turn creamy and combine with the tomatoes to form a rich sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss it well to coat in the sauce.
Final Touches
– Step 7: Adjust seasoning
Now, take a taste. Adjust with more salt or pepper as needed. This step helps balance the flavors.
– Step 8: Serve and garnish
Serve your dish right away. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated parmesan, if you like. It’s a simple way to add extra flavor and a nice touch. Enjoy your meal!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Bake
To get the best creamy feta, choose high-quality feta cheese. Look for a block of feta rather than crumbles. This way, you’ll achieve that luscious, smooth texture when it melts. Bake it until it’s golden and soft. Fresh ingredients also matter. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and vibrant spinach for top flavor. Fresh veggies add more color and taste.
Pasta Cooking Tips
To avoid overcooking pasta, follow the package instructions closely. Start checking it a minute or two before the time ends. Look for that perfect al dente bite. When you drain the pasta, save some pasta water. This starchy water can help create a saucy finish when you mix it with your baked feta and veggies.
Flavor Enhancements
Want to boost flavor? Try adding more spices. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of lemon zest brings brightness. Fresh herbs also elevate the dish. Think about adding basil, parsley, or even thyme for extra aroma. Mixing in garlic powder or onion powder can also add depth. Don’t shy away from experimenting to find your favorite flavor combo.
Variations
Vegetable Additions
You can change up the veggies in baked feta pasta. For leafy greens, try kale or arugula. Both add a nice crunch and boost nutrition. You can also toss in zucchini or bell peppers. These veggies enhance flavor and color. They work well with the creamy feta.
Protein Options
Want to add protein? Cooked chicken or shrimp makes a great choice. Simply stir them in after baking. For a vegetarian option, consider chickpeas or tofu. They soak up flavors nicely and add heartiness. This makes the dish more filling and satisfying.
Cheese Alternatives
If you want to switch up the cheese, try goat cheese or mozzarella. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. Mozzarella melts beautifully for a stretchy texture. If you prefer a plant-based dish, look for vegan cheese. There are many brands that melt well and taste great. This keeps your meal delicious while meeting dietary needs.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your baked feta pasta with spinach, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This keeps the pasta from getting freezer burn.
Reheating Tips
When you reheat baked feta pasta, you want to keep it tasty. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 175°C (350°F). Place your pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Try to eat leftovers within 3 days for the best taste.
Shelf Life
In the fridge, your baked feta pasta will last about 3 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 2 months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or a sour smell, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses. If it doesn’t look or smell right, don’t eat it.
FAQs
Common Questions
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
I recommend using penne or fusilli pasta. Both shapes hold sauce well. Their curves trap the creamy feta sauce, giving each bite great flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead. You can bake the feta and veggies and store them in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh before serving for the best taste.
Dietary Considerations
Is Baked Feta Pasta gluten-free?
Traditional pasta contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good options on the market now.
How to make this recipe vegan-friendly?
To make this dish vegan, swap feta with plant-based cheese. You can also skip cheese if you prefer. Use more veggies for added flavor.
Cooking Techniques
Can I make this in a slow cooker or instant pot?
Yes, you can. For a slow cooker, add all the ingredients and cook on low for 2-3 hours. For an instant pot, use the sauté function first, then pressure cook for about 5 minutes.
How to customize cooking time based on oven type?
Oven types can differ. If using a convection oven, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Keep an eye on the feta to avoid overcooking.
This post covered the easy steps to make Baked Feta Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, like pasta, feta, and fresh veggies. We also explored tips to enhance flavor and various ways to adapt the dish. Remember, using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Whether you add chicken or switch the cheese, feel free to experiment. Storing leftovers is simple too. With these insights, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Happy cooking!
