Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a culinary adventure that combines simplicity with sensational flavors. The one and only Healthy Baked Feta Pasta. Brace yourselves for a journey through a delectable world where wholesome meets delicious, and your taste buds are in for a treat they won’t soon forget. A symphony of vibrant cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a generous slab of creamy feta, all coming together in a harmonious oven-baked fusion.
Recipe Ingredients
- 16 ounces of pasta (opt for the Barilla Plus Pasta for a delightful low-point choice)
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, a luscious foundation for our dish
- 2 tablespoons of dry white cooking wine, because every great pasta dish deserves a touch of sophistication
- 2 pints of cherry tomatoes, bursting with freshness and vibrant colors
- An 8-ounce block of fat-free feta, the creamy soul of our recipe
- 2 teaspoons of minced garlic, for that aromatic kick that elevates every bite
- A pinch of red pepper flakes, to sprinkle in a hint of spice and excitement
- 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil leaves, adding a fragrant herbaceous note
- Salt and pepper, the unsung heroes that will season our creation to perfection
How to Make This Healthy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Setting the Stage
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This act sets the stage for the magic that’s about to unfold. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil for our pasta – the backbone of our dish.
Pasta Perfection
Drop the 16 ounces of pasta into the boiling water, stirring occasionally. Cook it al dente, ensuring that delightful firmness that complements our robust ingredients. Once ready, drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid – a secret weapon for the perfect consistency.
The Feta Affair
Now, let’s talk about our protagonist – the fat-free feta. Place the block in the center of a baking dish, surrounded by the lively cherry tomatoes. Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of dry white cooking wine, creating a flavorful bath for our stars to soak in.
Flavor Explosion
Sprinkle the minced garlic and red pepper flakes over the feta and tomatoes, letting the flavors mingle and dance. Season the ensemble with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a harmonious balance that suits your palate.
Oven Ballet
Carefully transfer the baking dish into the preheated oven, letting the ingredients perform their ballet for approximately 25-30 minutes. Keep a watchful eye – we’re aiming for the tomatoes to burst and the feta to turn golden and luscious.
Basil Crescendo
As the symphony crescendos, take the baking dish out of the oven. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the aromatic ensemble, infusing the final act with a burst of freshness.
Pasta Embrace
Time to reunite our star, the al dente pasta, with the flavorful concoction in the baking dish. Toss them together, allowing the pasta to embrace the rich flavors of the baked feta and tomatoes.
Adjusting the Notes
If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking liquid to achieve the desired sauciness. Season with salt and pepper one last time, ensuring the dish sings with perfection.
Serving Instructions
Plating Elegance
Gently scoop a generous portion of our pasta creation onto individual plates, ensuring an artful arrangement that showcases the vibrant colors of cherry tomatoes, the golden glow of feta, and the lush greenery of basil.
Garnish with Basil
For a finishing touch, sprinkle a few additional fresh basil leaves on top. This not only adds a burst of color but also intensifies the aromatic experience as you dig in.
Serve Warm
This dish is best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven to your plate. The heat enhances the flavors, allowing every ingredient to shine.
Pairing Suggestions
Consider complementing this delightful pasta with a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water. The clean flavors of the dish pair well with a variety of beverages, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Storage Wisdom
If, by some miracle, you find yourself with leftovers, fear not! Our Healthy Baked Feta Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil will revive the flavors.
Freezing Enchantment
Yes, you can freeze this culinary gem for future indulgence. Simply transfer the pasta into a freezer-safe container, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to three months without compromising its charm.
Reheating Ritual
When the pasta cravings strike, thaw the frozen dish in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a touch of water or olive oil to restore its original luster. Avoid the microwave, as it may compromise the texture of our carefully crafted creation
Related Dinner:
FAQs
While the recipe suggests Barilla Plus Pasta for a low-point choice, feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta variety. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well, maintaining the essence of the dish.
Absolutely, you can swap dry white cooking wine with vegetable or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic alternative. The key is to maintain the depth of flavor without compromising the essence of the recipe.
While feta adds a creamy tang, you can experiment with other soft cheeses like goat cheese or even a low-fat ricotta for a similar texture and flavor profile.
To dial up the heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of your favorite hot sauce. This way, you can tailor the spice level to your preference without overwhelming the dish.
Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate. When it’s time to impress your guests, pop it in the oven as instructed. It’s a time-saver without compromising on the fantastic flavors.
Absolutely! if you prefer a completely alcohol-free option, skip the dry white cooking wine. You can compensate by adding a splash of vegetable or chicken broth for a touch of liquid and flavor. Enjoy your Healthy Baked Feta Pasta sans wine.
Healthy Baked Feta Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta Barilla Plus Pasta is a good low point choice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp dry white cooking wine
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz. fat free feta block
- 2 tsp garlic minced
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 3 tbsp fresh basil leaves chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin the culinary symphony by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Meanwhile, summon a pot of salted water to a rolling boil for our pasta – the unsung hero of our dish.
- Gracefully introduce 16 ounces of pasta into the boiling water, allowing it to pirouette until achieving the perfect al dente state. Once the pasta takes a bow, drain it, reserving a cup of the cooking liquid for potential encore performances.
- Now, spotlight the feta! Place the 8-ounce block in the center of a baking dish, surrounded by the vivacious cherry tomatoes. Shower them with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of dry white cooking wine, creating a flavorful waltz for our culinary stars.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes over the feta and tomatoes, letting them engage in a flavorful ballet. Season the ensemble with salt and pepper, allowing the ingredients to pirouette in perfect harmony.
- Gently place the baking dish in the preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to perform their overture for about 25-30 minutes. Watch as the tomatoes pirouette into bursts of flavor, and the feta takes on a golden glow – the climax of our culinary performance.
- As the curtain rises, gracefully bring the baking dish out of the oven. Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the aromatic ensemble, providing a fragrant serenade to the final act.
- Time for the grand reunion! Toss the al dente pasta into the baking dish, allowing it to embrace the rich flavors of the baked feta and tomatoes in a culinary embrace.
- Fine-tune the flavor notes by adding a splash of the reserved pasta cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper one last time, ensuring a symphony of tastes that will leave your taste buds applauding.
