This Easy Veggie Pasta features colorful vegetables tossed with pasta and topped with creamy baked feta cheese. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious!
Nothing beats this dish on a busy evening! I love how the feta melts into a tasty sauce. Just grab a fork and enjoy every cheesy bite! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend using rigatoni or penne, but feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta, like rotini or farfalle. Whole grain or gluten-free options work great too!
Feta Cheese: The creamy texture of baked feta is key here. If you need a dairy-free option, try a plant-based feta or crumbly goat cheese for a similar richness.
Cherry Tomatoes: They are perfect for sweetness. If you have larger tomatoes, just chop them into smaller pieces. Canned tomatoes can also work in a pinch, just drain them first.
Zucchini: This adds great texture. You can swap it with other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli if you prefer or want to mix it up.
Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley add freshness. Dried herbs could work, but fresh herbs elevate this dish’s flavor. Don’t hesitate to use your favorite herbs!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
The magic happens when you bake the feta with the tomatoes and zucchini. Roasting softens the veggies and infuses flavor. Here’s how to get that creamy sauce right:
- Preheat your oven properly. A hot oven helps the feta melt evenly.
- Keep an eye on the feta and veggies as they bake. Look for the cheese to turn golden and the tomatoes to burst.
- Mix the roasted veggies and feta with pasta while it’s still hot, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to help get that creamy consistency.
- Adjust seasoning after mixing. Sometimes, just a little extra salt or pepper makes all the difference!
Easy Veggie Pasta with Baked Feta Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Feta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (rigatoni, penne, or your choice)
- 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese
Vegetables:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Drizzling and Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh Herbs:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For Mixing:
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish takes around 10 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. So, in just 40 minutes total, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is the perfect temperature for creating that wonderful baked feta experience!
2. Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Before draining, be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of that delicious pasta cooking water.
3. Prepare the Baking Dish:
In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese right in the center. Surround it with those lovely halved cherry tomatoes, the thin slices of zucchini, and the minced garlic. It’s starting to look good already!
4. Season and Drizzle:
Drizzle the olive oil over everything in the baking dish. Then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick!
5. Bake Away:
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and let it bake uncovered for about 25-30 minutes. You want the tomatoes to burst and the feta cheese to soften and turn a lovely golden color.
6. Create the Sauce:
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, gently mash the baked feta cheese and roasted vegetables together. This will create a creamy, flavorful sauce!
7. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta and the reserved pasta water into the baking dish. Stir everything together well, making sure the pasta is nicely coated in that creamy sauce.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your delightful mixture. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Feel free to add more spice if you’d like!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Finally, sprinkle over the chopped fresh basil and parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy your delicious Easy Veggie Pasta!
Dig in and savor the creamy texture of the baked feta cheese, combined with the freshness of the vegetables. Happy eating!
FAQ for Easy Veggie Pasta with Baked Feta Cheese
Can I Use Different Vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to swap in other veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms based on your preference or what you have on hand. Just keep the overall bulk similar for the best results!
What if I Can’t Find Feta Cheese?
No worries! If feta isn’t available, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a creamy ricotta. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
Can I Make This Vegan?
You can definitely make this dish vegan! Use a block of plant-based feta or other dairy-free cheese alternatives. Be sure to check that your pasta is also egg-free if you’re aiming for a fully vegan meal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out.
