Baked Feta & Tomato Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
A creamy, tangy, and ultra-easy baked pasta made by roasting feta cheese with juicy tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil, then mixing it with bowtie pasta for a rich, silky sauce. It’s simple, viral, and restaurant-level delicious.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings
Serves 4
Ingredients
🍅 Bake Base
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 200g Feta cheese (whole block)
- 3–4 garlic cloves, whole or minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Chili flakes (optional)
🍝 Pasta
- 250g bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salt (for boiling water)
🌿 Optional Add-ins
- Fresh basil
- Spinach
- Grilled chicken
- Lemon zest
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat oven
Preheat to:
200°C (400°F)
Step 2: Assemble the bake
In a baking dish add:
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta block in the center
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Oregano
- Pepper
- Chili flakes (optional)
Toss tomatoes lightly around the feta.
Step 3: Bake
Bake for:
30–35 minutes
Until:
- Tomatoes burst
- Feta is soft and golden on top
Step 4: Cook pasta
Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Step 5: Mix everything
Mash baked feta and tomatoes together into a creamy sauce.
Add cooked pasta and mix well.
Add a splash of pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Step 6: Serve
Top with:
- Fresh basil
- Olive oil drizzle
- Chili flakes
Serve warm.
Flavor Notes
This dish is:
- Creamy from baked feta
- Sweet and tangy from roasted tomatoes
- Garlicky and rich
- Comforting but fresh
Variations
Protein Boost 💪
Add:
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Chickpeas
Green Version 🥬
Add:
- Spinach
- Arugula
- Zucchini
Spicy Version 🌶️
Add:
- Extra chili flakes
- Hot sauce drizzle
Storage Tips
- Store in fridge up to 3 days
- Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil
- Best eaten fresh for creamy texture
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420–550
- Protein: 15–22g
- Carbs: 45–60g
- Fat: 18–28g
❓ Q&A Section
❓ Why bake the feta instead of mixing it?
Baking feta softens it and lets it melt into a creamy, tangy sauce when combined with roasted tomatoes.
❓ Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well—anything that holds sauce.
❓ Can I make it healthier?
Yes:
- Use whole wheat pasta
- Add spinach or zucchini
- Reduce feta slightly and increase veggies
❓ Is it very salty?
Feta is naturally salty, so avoid adding too much extra salt until you taste the final dish.
❓ Can I meal prep this?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If storing, add a little olive oil or water when reheating to restore creaminess.
❓ Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try plant-based feta alternatives, but the texture will be slightly different.
