This Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas is a true winner! The creamy feta melts beautifully into the pasta, while the chickpeas add a hearty touch. Yum!
Cooking this dish is easy and super fun! I love tossing everything into the oven and then enjoying the delicious smell while it bakes. It’s like magic, only tastier! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Any short pasta works well here, but I find that shells or orecchiette hold the sauce nicely. If you need a gluten-free option, try using chickpea or lentil pasta for a protein boost!
Feta Cheese: Traditional feta gives this dish its creamy texture. However, you can substitute it with goat cheese or even ricotta for a different flavor profile.
Chickpeas: These add protein and fiber! If you want a different bean, white beans or lentils can provide a similar texture and flavor. Canned beans are fine; just remember to drain and rinse them.
Cherry Tomatoes: While fresh cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Just add them directly to the baking dish without draining!
How Can I Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
A common struggle is getting the sauce just right. After baking, simply mash the baked feta and tomatoes with a fork. This creates a rich, creamy base! Here’s how:
- Once the tomatoes burst and feta is soft, mix them until they’re well combined.
- For a creamier texture, reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps thin the sauce without losing flavor.
- Keep tossing! Add in the pasta gradually and mix thoroughly so every piece is coated.
Your creamy sauce will make this meal satisfying. Enjoy your delicious Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas! 🍽️
Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta shells or any short pasta
For the Main Dish:
- 1 block (7 oz / 200g) feta cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (canned, drained and rinsed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For Optional Crunch:
- 2 tbsp bread crumbs for topping (for added crunch)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to bake, so you’ll be enjoying it in just about 40 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that everything bakes evenly and perfectly!
2. Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish:
In a sizable baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, cooked chickpeas, minced garlic, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Gently toss everything together to coat the feta and tomatoes evenly in the spices and oil.
3. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 30 minutes. You’ll want to wait until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is nice and soft, giving it a beautiful golden color.
4. Cook the Pasta:
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. When done, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
5. Create a Creamy Sauce:
Once the baking time is up, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the baked feta and tomatoes together. This will create a lush, creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible!
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained pasta directly to the baking dish and toss it all together, ensuring that every piece is coated in that yummy feta-tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, incorporate a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
7. Add Fresh Basil:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor!
8. (Optional) Add a Crunchy Topping:
If you’re in the mood for some crunch, sprinkle the bread crumbs over the pasta. Place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
9. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish with additional fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil if you’d like. It adds a lovely touch!
10. Enjoy!
Serve your Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas warm and revel in the delightful flavors of this simple yet satisfying dish!
With the creamy feta, hearty chickpeas, and bursts of roasted tomatoes, it’s a meal that your taste buds will truly enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you can’t find feta cheese, goat cheese or ricotta can be delicious substitutes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess will vary slightly, but they’ll still create a lovely dish!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and replace it with a vegan feta alternative or use a combination of nut-based cream and nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor. You can also try blending tofu with herbs for a creamy texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it up in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep it from drying out.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also serve it with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
