This baked feta pasta recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight meal. The combination of creamy cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and spice gives a comforting touch to the dish, making it hard not to add to your dinner rotation. I first came across this dish during the viral trend that swarmed the internet a couple of years ago, alongside favorites like sourdough, banana bread, and tortilla hacks. Originally from Finland, the dish became so popular that stores temporarily ran out of feta cheese. It’s a customizable meal that can be adjusted to fit any flavor preference, from adding shallots, garlic, or even some heat to incorporating your favorite protein like chicken or shrimp for a well-rounded dinner.
What I love about this dish is how the cheese melts around the veggies, creating a soothing and rich flavor in every bite. Unlike my HalloumHoneyi salad or Honey Roasted Cherry Tomato Pasta, this method involves baking the cheese directly, resulting in an efficient and great appetizer or main dish. The addition of ingredients like Red Pepper, breadcrumbs, and Burrata brings depth to the flavor, similar to my Peperoni Gratinata al Forno recipe. Recently, I’ve been sharing quick versions on Social Media, and it’s clear that this dish is here to stay. If you’re a fan of comfort foods like salmon and orzo pasta, you’ll want to try this flavorful recipe.
Baked Feta Pasta with Harissa
The baked feta pasta with harissa is a trend that has swarmed the internet for a couple of years now. This dish is so easy to make and customizable that it has become a staple in my dinner rotation. It’s a simple yet nourishing recipe that combines chopped veggies like peppers, onions, and garlic. You roast these with a block of feta cheese, harissa, and some spices until they become soft and flavorful.
To prepare, first preheat your oven to 200°C (or 400°F). In a small bowl, mix rose harissa paste with some honey. In a large baking dish, place the feta and chicken breasts. Season them and coat them well with the mixture of honey and harissa. Add cherry tomatoes and bell pepper, then drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle oregano. Give it a good shake and bake for about 25-30 minutes, remembering to baste the chicken once. While the baked feta is in the oven, boil a saucepan of salted water and cook Casarecce pasta until it’s al dente. When the feta is ready, remove it from the oven, and use two forks to shred the chicken and mash the feta with the back of a fork. Mix in the pasta and some basil until everything is combined. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes you feel good about eating your veggies!
What you’ll need to make baked feta pasta
To make this simple and delicious recipe, you’ll need some minimal ingredients. Here’s what you should gather:
Pasta Use Ditali or any variety of your choice. This will serve as the base for the dish.
Feta Cheese This is the star of the show! You can also substitute it with goat cheese if you prefer.
Veggies You’ll need red pepper, onion, spinach, and cherry tomatoes to add flavor and nutrition.
Harissa This spicy paste brings a unique kick to your dish.
Tomato Paste This will help create a rich sauce for the pasta.
Spices Have some salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes on hand for seasoning, along with Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Olive Oil This is great for drizzling over the dish before baking.
Preparation Steps
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve some of the water before you drain it. Set the cooked pasta aside. In a large baking dish, toss the chopped veggies and feta cheese together in the center. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle your chosen spices on top. Then, bake at 400°F for about 35 minutes until everything is softened.
Once done, remove the dish from the oven. Mash the feta and mix it with the veggies, creating a creamy sauce. Add the spinach and combine everything well. This dish is not just a go-to for a warm dinner, but it also makes for great leftovers, whether served cold or warmed up. You’ll love how it pairs with lemon herb salmon skewers or any grilled butter fish you might have.
Some important Queries
1. What ingredients go into making flavorful harissa pasta?
Harissa pasta is made by blending pasta with a spicy harissa sauce, which typically includes dry red chiles, garlic, citrus juice, extra virgin olive oil, and spices like cumin, coriander, and caraway seeds. These bold flavors give the dish its signature smoky and peppery taste.
2. Can I make harissa pasta if I don’t have harissa?
Absolutely! If you don’t have harissa, you can use substitutes like Merguez North African seasoning, a mix of ground red chilies and caraway seeds, or even berbere spice. Chile paste, red pepper flakes, or a hot sauce like Sriracha can also work well.
3. What does harissa pasta taste like?
Harissa pasta is known for its smoky, peppery flavor, with a touch of citrus that brightens up the dish. The combination of garlic, spices, and chiles brings a fiery heat, making it a tasty choice for spice lovers.
4. Is harissa pasta spicy?
Yes, harissa pasta does have a spicy kick, but the level of heat can be adjusted based on the amount of harissa sauce used. You can make it milder by using less sauce or balancing it with a bit of cream or yogurt for a more subtle heat.