Healthy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables
This Healthy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables is a wholesome spin on the viral baked feta trend. It combines a creamy feta-based sauce with roasted colorful vegetables and hearty pasta for a nourishing, flavorful dish that’s incredibly easy to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is customizable, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to satisfy. It’s naturally vegetarian, and with a few quick swaps, it can easily be made gluten-free or dairy-free. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a solo dinner, this vibrant, creamy pasta dish is a must-try for any home cook.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 block (200g) feta cheese
- 300g whole grain or gluten-free pasta
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach leaves (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice the zucchini, chop the red and yellow bell peppers, and rinse the cherry tomatoes.
- In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the prepared vegetables.
- Add flavorings: Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt evenly over everything. Drizzle the olive oil across the vegetables and cheese.
- Bake the dish uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the feta begins to brown on top.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Remove the baked feta and vegetables from the oven. Stir the contents of the baking dish to break up the feta and create a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the dish. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until the texture is smooth and creamy.
- Add spinach if using. Stir it in while everything is still hot, allowing it to wilt naturally.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
Use seasonal vegetables for variety.
Add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein.
For a little heat, stir in red pepper flakes.
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens the dish.
Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3 days.