Easy Feta Tomato Pasta

 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering pasta dish. The cherry tomatoes soften beautifully and create a natural sauce when cooked with olive oil, and the feta cheese melts into the mix to give the dish a creamy, tangy finish. With just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, it’s a fantastic meal for busy days when you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta
• ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the pasta water. Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and toss to coat the pasta in the sauce.
4. Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped basil. Continue to toss everything together, letting the feta melt into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Garlic & Chili: Add sliced garlic and/or red chili flakes for extra flavor and a bit of spice.
• Different Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or Parmesan if you prefer a different cheese.
• Fresh Herbs: You can also use mint or parsley in place of basil for a different fresh flavor.
• Add Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Vegetables: For added nutrition, toss in some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works with any short pasta like farfalle, fusilli, or rigatoni. You can even use spaghetti if you prefer.

2. Can I use low-fat feta cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat feta, though it may not melt quite as creamy as full-fat feta.

3. Can I make this pasta dish vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, swap the feta for a plant-based feta or another creamy vegan cheese.

4. How do I make this pasta spicier?

To add some heat, include red chili flakes when cooking the tomatoes or stir some into the finished dish.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! You can add spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

6. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tomato sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when ready to toss with the pasta.

7. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes can be used in place of fresh tomatoes if needed. Just be sure to drain them well before using.

8. Can I freeze leftovers?

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the pasta without the fresh basil. Reheat gently when ready to serve.

9. How can I make this pasta more filling?

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or a few spoonfuls of cooked beans or lentils to make it a heartier meal.

10. Can I add more cheese to the sauce?

Yes, adding more feta or a bit of Parmesan will give the sauce an extra cheesy richness.

Conclusion

Easy Feta Tomato Pasta is the perfect go-to dinner for busy evenings. It’s quick, full of fresh flavors, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple or want to add your own twist, this dish is a sure winner. With the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes, it’s comfort food at its finest, ready in just 20 minutes!

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