Baked Feta Pasta Pairings (Print-Friendly Version)

Mediterranean-inspired side dishes that perfectly complement the creamy, tangy flavors of baked feta pasta with tomatoes and herbs.

# What You Need:

01 - 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
02 - 1 zucchini, cut into slices
03 - 1/2 sweet onion, diced
04 - 4 cloves garlic
05 - 1/2 cup olive oil
06 - 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
07 - 1/4 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
08 - Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1 block feta cheese, drained
10 - 1 pound pasta
11 - 1/4 cup fresh basil
12 - 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
02 - In a large baking dish, combine tomatoes, zucchini, diced onion, and whole garlic cloves.
03 - Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables and sprinkle with garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
04 - Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the seasoned vegetables.
05 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft.
06 - While the feta and vegetables are baking, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120ml (1/2 cup) of pasta water before draining.
07 - Remove baking dish from oven and mash the softened feta and tomatoes with a fork to create a creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.
08 - Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over pasta along with grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips:

01 - Pairs well with a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread, or focaccia.
02 - For additional vegetables, serve with roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans.