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To make Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach, you need a few key ingredients that blend well together. Here is what you will need: - 200g pasta (penne or fusilli) - 200g block of feta cheese - 300g cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving) Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a rich and creamy dish. The feta cheese melts beautifully, while the cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. The spinach adds a fresh touch, and the garlic gives a nice kick. Don't forget to have a sprinkle of Parmesan on hand for extra taste! First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for roasting the tomatoes and melting the feta. Next, take a medium-sized baking dish. Add the halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss the tomatoes well to coat them in oil and spices. Now, make a small space in the center of your tomatoes. Place the block of feta cheese here. Drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil over the feta. It adds more flavor. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should burst with juices, and the feta should be soft and golden. While the feta and tomatoes bake, boil salted water in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture. Remember to save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. It should smell good! Then, add the fresh spinach. Cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the tomatoes. It should turn creamy. Now, add the drained pasta and wilted spinach to the baking dish. Toss everything together. If it feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy! Roasting cherry tomatoes brings out their sweet flavor. Use ripe, plump tomatoes for the best taste. Cut them in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before baking. This helps them caramelize nicely. Bake until they burst. This usually takes about 25 to 30 minutes at 400°F. The juices will mix with the feta, creating a rich sauce. If you want a creamier sauce, save some pasta water. After cooking the pasta, reserve one cup of this starchy water. When mixing the pasta with the feta and tomatoes, add the water a little at a time. This helps you control how creamy the dish becomes. Mix until you reach your preferred texture. To boost the flavor, add more spices. Fresh or dried herbs, like basil or thyme, work well. You can also stir in a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Don't forget to taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor. {{image_4}} You can boost this dish by adding protein. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage work great. Simply add diced protein to the baking dish with the tomatoes. If you like beans, chickpeas add a healthy twist. They blend well with the creamy feta and spinach. While penne and fusilli are tasty, try other pasta shapes. Bowtie, orzo, or even whole wheat pasta are excellent options. Each type changes the dish's texture and look. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure to follow cooking times on the package. Feel free to mix in more veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even broccoli are delicious. Just chop them up and add them to the baking dish. They will roast nicely with the tomatoes. You can also use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t handy. This dish offers much room for your favorite flavors. After you make this dish, let it cool to room temperature. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep the flavors fresh and the pasta safe to eat. You can freeze this pasta dish too. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to avoid freezer burn. It will last for about two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce. Stir often to ensure even heating. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! Yes, you can use goat cheese or ricotta. Goat cheese offers a tangy taste. Ricotta gives a creamier texture. Both options will change the flavor slightly, but they will still be delicious. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer penne or fusilli made from rice or chickpeas. Always check the label to ensure it fits your needs. If you don't have fresh spinach, try kale or Swiss chard. Both veggies add nice texture and flavor. You can also use frozen spinach; just thaw and drain it before adding. The dish lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. This blog post covered a tasty pasta dish with feta, tomatoes, and spinach. I shared a simple recipe, easy steps, tips for the best flavor, and storage advice. You can also make it your own with protein or veggie swaps. Remember, cooking is fun, so experiment! Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with loved ones. Your meal will be a hit, bringing smiles to the table. Happy cooking!

Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach

Indulge in a delightful Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach & Cherry Tomatoes that’s bursting with flavor! This easy recipe combines creamy feta, juicy tomatoes, and fresh spinach, creating a dish everyone will love. Perfect for dinner or a cozy night in, it takes just 40 minutes to prepare. Ready to impress your family or guests? Click through for the full recipe and elevate your pasta game today!
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Ingredients
  

200g pasta (penne or fusilli)

200g block of feta cheese

300g cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the tomatoes and feta are perfectly roasted.

    Prepare the Baking Dish: In a medium-sized baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Toss the tomatoes gently to ensure they're well coated in the oil and seasonings.

      Add the Feta: Create a small space in the center of the tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the feta for extra flavor.

        Bake: Transfer the baking dish to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should be roasted, bursting with juices, and the feta should be soft and slightly golden.

          Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.

            Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until it has wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.

              Combine Ingredients: Once the feta and tomatoes are finished in the oven, remove the dish from the heat. Using a fork, gently mash the feta cheese and mix it with the roasted tomatoes until the mixture becomes creamy.

                Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta and wilted spinach directly into the baking dish with the feta and tomato mix. Carefully toss everything together. If the mixture appears too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creamy sauce consistency.

                  Season: Taste the pasta mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.

                    Serve: Dish up the baked pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

                      Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4