Baked Feta Pasta Vegetables

This baked feta pasta with vegetables serves up a wonderful combination of creamy cheese, roasted fresh veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a simple dish that brings together savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors in a way that feels both comforting and elegant. With minimal prep and just one baking dish, it’s an easy goto for busy weeknights or casual gettogethers when you want something impressive but unfussy.

I first made this on a lazy weekend, and the whole family was hooked instantly. It always feels special yet comes together faster than you’d expect for such a flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• Cherry or grape tomatoes: burst with natural sweetness and soften beautifully during roasting
• Zucchini: adds light earthiness and soaks up the flavorful oil and spices
• Sweet onion: caramelizes slightly in the oven, lending subtle sweetness
• Garlic cloves: fresh minced garlic brings an aromatic punch to the roasted veggies
• Olive oil: essential for roasting and melding all the flavors together, choose extra virgin for best taste
• Garlic powder: enhances the garlic aroma without overpowering with sharpness
• Crushed red pepper flakes: add a mild heat that complements the creamy feta
• Salt and black pepper: balance and brighten the flavors
• Feta cheese block: the star ingredient, choose highquality firm feta that can bake without melting into a puddle
• Pasta of your choice: I prefer penne or fusilli that hold onto the sauce nicely
• Fresh basil: for a fragrant, fresh garnish that lifts the whole dish
• Grated parmesan: optional finishing touch adding umami and extra richness

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This high temperature will roast the vegetables to caramelized perfection and allow the feta to soften and slightly brown on top.

Prepare the Vegetables and Seasoning:

In a spacious baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced zucchini, diced sweet onion, and minced garlic. Drizzle with olive oil ensuring all pieces glisten. Sprinkle with garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and fresh cracked black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly so the spices and oil coat every piece.

Add the Feta Cheese:

Make a little space in the center of the vegetable mixture and place the block of feta cheese there. Optionally drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta to help it bake evenly and add richness.

Bake Until Tender and Golden:

Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 40 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and lightly caramelized while the feta develops a golden, slightly bubbly top.

Cook the Pasta:

While the vegetables bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve a cup of pasta water.

Combine and Finish the Dish:

Once baked, use a spoon to gently break up the feta, mixing it with the roasted vegetables to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish. Toss everything together well. Use some reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce so it coats the pasta evenly.

Serve:

Plate the pasta warm, garnished with freshly torn basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese for an extra rich touch.

Feta is my favorite here because of how it bakes into a luxurious creamy center surrounded by tender vegetables. It always reminds me of relaxed evenings at a summer villa where the sun warms everything and meals are simple but full of flavor.

Storage Tips

Allow leftovers to cool completely before placing in airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to revive the sauce. To freeze, separate pasta and vegetable mixture for best texture upon reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap zucchini for summer squash or bell peppers depending on what’s in season. If you do not have feta, goat cheese is a nice alternative that softens well when baked. Use glutenfree pasta to keep it safe for glutensensitive eaters.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta is delicious on its own or paired with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A drizzle of chili oil or lemon zest on top also brightens flavors wonderfully.

Serve warm with torn basil and a sprinkle of parmesan for a simple, impressive weeknight dinner.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any pasta you prefer can be used.

→ Can I substitute feta with another cheese?

Feta gives a signature tangy creaminess, but halloumi or goat cheese can offer different delicious flavors.

→ Is it necessary to drain the feta before baking?

Draining helps reduce excess moisture, ensuring a creamier texture and better roasting results.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili slices before baking to boost the heat level.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

You can prep vegetables and garlic in advance, then bake just before serving for optimal freshness.