One-Pan Feta Tomato Pasta: The Easiest Weeknight Dinner

Are you searching for a quick, delicious, and incredibly easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this one-pan feta tomato pasta! This recipe is a game-changer, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum flavor. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a comforting and satisfying meal in a hurry. The creamy, tangy feta combined with sweet roasted tomatoes and perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more. This recipe is easily customizable, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or protein to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Effortless:** Seriously, this recipe is ridiculously easy. It requires minimal prep and cooks all in one pan. No more mountains of dishes to wash!
* **Flavorful:** The combination of feta, tomatoes, garlic, and herbs creates a rich and complex flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
* **Versatile:** This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Add your favorite vegetables, protein, or spices to customize it to your liking.
* **Quick:** From start to finish, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
* **Budget-Friendly:** The ingredients are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making this a great option for budget-conscious cooks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **8 ounces pasta:** Use your favorite pasta shape! Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, and farfalle all work well. Gluten-free pasta can also be used.
* **1 pint cherry tomatoes:** Look for ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the best flavor. Grape tomatoes also work well.
* **4 ounces feta cheese:** Use a block of feta cheese, not crumbled. The block of feta melts beautifully into the sauce.
* **4 cloves garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for this recipe. Mince it finely or use a garlic press.
* **1/4 cup olive oil:** Use a good quality olive oil for the best flavor.
* **1 teaspoon dried oregano:** Adds a classic Mediterranean flavor.
* **1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional):** For a touch of heat.
* **Salt and pepper to taste:** Season generously to bring out the flavors.
* **Fresh basil leaves (for garnish):** Adds a burst of fresh flavor and color.
* **Optional additions:** Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, lemon zest.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare your ingredients. Wash and dry the cherry tomatoes. Mince the garlic. If you’re using any additional vegetables, chop them into bite-sized pieces.

**Step 2: Assemble the Pasta Bake**

In a 9×13 inch baking dish (or any oven-safe dish of similar size), combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese (place the block in the center), minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Add about 3 cups of water to the dish. The water should almost cover the pasta; if not, add a little more.

**Step 3: Bake the Pasta**

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will help to steam the pasta and prevent it from drying out. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the tomatoes are softened.

**Step 4: Stir and Mash**

Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Remove the aluminum foil. Using a fork, mash the feta cheese and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Stir well to combine the sauce with the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water until it reaches your desired consistency.

**Step 5: Garnish and Serve**

Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

* **Pasta Type:** Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, fusilli, and farfalle work best. You can also use gluten-free pasta.
* **Vegetables:** Add your favorite vegetables to the dish. Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions all work well. Add them in step 2 along with the other ingredients.
* **Protein:** For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pasta. Add the protein in step 4, after the pasta has been baked.
* **Cheese:** While feta is the star of this dish, you can also add other cheeses. Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, or goat cheese would all be delicious additions. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the pasta in the last few minutes of baking.
* **Herbs and Spices:** Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the dish. Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary would all be delicious additions. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Lemon:** A squeeze of lemon juice adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish. Add the lemon juice in step 4, after the pasta has been baked.
* **Sun-dried tomatoes:** Add some sun-dried tomatoes for an intense flavor. If using oil-packed, drain well. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes can be added with other vegetables.
* **Olives:** Kalamata olives or other briny olives add a salty and savory touch. Pitted and halved olives should be mixed with the tomatoes before baking.
* **Make it Vegan:** Use a vegan feta alternative to make this dish vegan. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.
* **Adjusting the sauce:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer for a few minutes after mashing the feta and tomatoes.
* **Don’t overcook the pasta:** Check the pasta frequently while it’s baking to make sure it doesn’t overcook. It should be al dente.

Serving Suggestions

This one-pan feta tomato pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Garlic bread:** A classic pairing that complements the flavors of the pasta perfectly.
* **Side salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
* **Roasted vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are all delicious and healthy additions to the meal.
* **Grilled chicken or fish:** For a more substantial meal, serve the pasta with grilled chicken or fish.

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. You may need to add a little water to the pasta to prevent it from drying out.

Nutritional Information (approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 50-60g
* Protein: 15-20g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

Conclusion

This one-pan feta tomato pasta is a winning recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and endlessly customizable. So, ditch the takeout and give this recipe a try tonight. You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy!