Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s ridiculously simple yet incredibly tasty, you’re going to want to try this Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that looks fancy but comes together with minimal fuss—a perfect weeknight winner. I absolutely love how creamy the baked feta gets and how the roasted tomatoes burst with flavor, and adding spinach gives it a vibrant, fresh kick. Stick around, because I’m sharing my go-to tips to make this recipe foolproof and unforgettable.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach Recipe relies on simple, quality ingredients that play so nicely together. You’ll want ripe grape tomatoes for sweetness, creamy feta that melts just right, and fresh spinach for that mild, leafy goodness. Don’t skimp on the olive oil—it helps everything blend perfectly!

• Grape Tomatoes: Tiny, sweet tomatoes that burst when roasted; their natural juiciness creates a delicious sauce.
• Garlic Cloves: Halving the cloves releases fragrance without overpowering the dish.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use good quality for richest flavor and luscious texture.
• Feta Cheese (Sheep’s Milk): I get mine from Murray’s or any block style to bake easily and not crumble too much.
• Dry Pasta: Choose campanelle, rigatoni, or any short pasta with nooks to catch that creamy sauce.
• Spinach: Roughly chopped fresh spinach adds freshness and vibrant color that balances the richness.
• Fresh Basil: Thinly sliced, it brightens the whole dish with herbaceous zing.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a subtle earthiness and bright green pop.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle heat kick, feel free to add more if you love spice.
• Reserved Pasta Water: The magic ingredient that thins the sauce perfectly while helping it cling to the noodles.

Variations

I like to think of this Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach Recipe as a blueprint—you can make it your own depending on what you like or what’s in your pantry. I’ve experimented a bit and love mixing it up!

• Add Protein: Once, I tossed in grilled chicken strips for a heartier meal, and my family loved it.
• Swap the Greens: If spinach isn’t your jam, kale or arugula wilted in at the end works beautifully too.
• Spice It Up: Adding more red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of smoked paprika brings a deeper smoky heat that’s fantastic.
• Different Cheese: If you don’t have feta, goat cheese is a great creamy alternative, just expect a slightly different tang.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Roast Tomatoes and Feta to Perfection

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Toss those beautiful grape tomatoes and halved garlic cloves in a generous splash of olive oil, followed by a pinch or two of salt and pepper—don’t be shy here, seasoning is key. Nestle the block of feta right in the center of your baking dish among the tomatoes, then give it a light turn to coat it with oil. Pop everything into the oven for 30 minutes. This slow roast lets the tomatoes burst and the feta soften to creamy goodness.

Step 2: Turn Up the Heat for That Perfect Brown

After 30 minutes, grab the dish (careful, it’s hot!) and move your oven rack up to the upper third. Crank the temperature to 450°F and slide the dish back in for about 10 more minutes. This step caramelizes the edges just enough to add a hint of golden-brown depth on the tomatoes and feta—trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Step 3: Cook Pasta and Wilt Spinach

While that’s roasting away, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until it’s al dente—still with a slight bite because you’ll be mixing it in the creamy sauce later. I usually use about a tablespoon of salt per 3-4 quarts of water to season just right. Before draining, reserve half a cup of pasta water. This starchy water is what will help marry your sauce and pasta beautifully. And here’s a neat trick: toss the fresh spinach in the colander right as you drain the pasta. The heat from the pasta cooks the spinach almost instantly, saving you a step and perfectly wilting it!

Step 4: Mix It All Together

Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently smash the roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and softened feta until they meld into a creamy sauce with some nice texture. Pour in your pasta and wilted spinach, then toss everything with the fresh basil, parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up until it coats the pasta perfectly. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately and enjoy all the oohs and ahhs!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this dish with an extra sprinkle of fresh basil and parsley right before serving. Sometimes I’ll add a few grinds of black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for shine and richness. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top really wakes everything up, especially when using feta that’s less salty.

Side Dishes

This pasta stands tall on its own, but if I’m feeling fancy, I serve it with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli are also delightful alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Once for a dinner party, I served this pasta directly from a pretty ceramic baking dish to keep things rustic and inviting. Garnished with edible flowers and fresh herbs, it added a gorgeous pop of color. You can even turn it into a pasta bake by tossing in extra cheese and baking a bit longer for a bubbly, melty top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and honestly, this pasta holds up well for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, but the sauce can thicken, so don’t forget the pasta water trick when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the baked feta pasta successfully, but spinach texture changes a bit after thawing. If freezing, I recommend adding fresh spinach when reheating instead for that bright freshness.

Reheating

When I reheat, I gently warm it in a skillet over low heat and add a splash or two of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, just do it in short bursts and stir in between to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Baked Feta Pasta with Spinach Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for busy days when I want to impress without stress. It’s comfort food elevated, with the bright roasted tomatoes and creamy feta pulling all the right flavor notes. I hope you fall in love with it as much as my family has—grab a baking dish and give it a whirl, I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

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