Does feta melt well in the oven?

Feta doesn't melt like mozzarella or cheddar, but when baked, it becomes incredibly soft, creamy, and spreadable. This texture makes it ideal for blending into sauces like in baked feta pasta. Use a block of sheep’s milk feta for the creamiest result.

What temperature do you bake feta pasta?

Bake at 400°F (200°C) . This temperature allows the feta to soften and the cherry tomatoes to blister and release their juices, creating the perfect sauce base. Avoid lower temperatures as they may not soften the cheese enough.

Does feta go well with pasta?

Absolutely. Feta’s tangy, salty profile complements the mildness of pasta beautifully. Especially when paired with roasted tomatoes and olive oil, feta transforms into a creamy, savory sauce that clings to every noodle.

Easy Feta Tomato Pasta

The easiest version includes cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and a block of feta cheese baked together—then mixed with cooked pasta. This five-ingredient dish is quick, satisfying, and ideal for busy weeknights.

How long to cook feta in the oven?

You can bake pasta without boiling if it's fully covered in sauce and baked long enough to absorb moisture—typically in casseroles. For baked feta pasta, however, it’s best to boil pasta separately to avoid undercooking.

The Easy Baked Feta Pasta At Home

Ingredients

Scale

7 oz block of feta cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic, smashed
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
10 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni, etc.)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic, and half the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
Place the feta block in the center, drizzle with remaining oil and optional red pepper flakes.
Bake for 30–35 minutes until tomatoes are blistered and feta is soft.
While baking, cook the pasta until al dente and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Remove dish from oven and mash feta and tomatoes together into a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water. Mix until fully coated.
Top with chopped basil and serve warm.

Notes

Use block feta for the creamiest results.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps emulsify the sauce.
You can add spinach, olives, or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Vegan feta and guten-free pasta work well as substitutes.

Author: Grace
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean