This Easy Veggie Pasta is a colorful dish that’s both tasty and simple to make! Tossed with creamy baked feta, fresh veggies, and pasta, it’s a delightful meal.
Trust me, once you try the creamy feta, you’ll be hooked! I love how quickly it comes together—perfect for busy nights when comfort food is calling! 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne works great in this dish. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try chickpea or lentil pasta. They add a nice texture and protein boost!
Feta Cheese: The star of the show! If you’re dairy-free, you can use a block of tofu marinated in lemon juice and herbs as a creamy substitute. It might not melt like feta, but it adds great flavor!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes add freshness. If they’re not in season, you can use canned diced tomatoes—they’re great too, just drain excess liquid.
Zucchini: Zucchini gives a nice crunch. Substitute it with bell peppers or spinach for a different flavor. Just avoid watery veggies that might make the dish soggy!
How Do You Bake the Perfect Creamy Feta?
Baking feta creates magic that turns it creamy and flavorful! Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a block of feta in the center of your baking dish; the heat will melt it perfectly.
- Surround it with veggies like cherry tomatoes and zucchini. This not only enhances flavor but also adds moisture.
- Drizzle olive oil over everything—it helps prevent sticking and adds richness.
- Baking at 400°F (200°C) is key. It allows the feta to soften while the veggies get tender, usually taking about 25-30 minutes.
- When it’s done, mash the feta with the roasted veggies to create a creamy sauce to mix with your pasta.
Taking time during the baking process gives you that lush creamy texture we all crave!
Easy Veggie Pasta with Creamy Baked Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Pasta: 8 oz (about 225g) dry rigatoni or penne pasta
- Feta Cheese: 1 block (about 8 oz) feta cheese
- Vegetables:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- Garlic: 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive Oil: 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Seasonings:
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Herbs:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus additional for garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper for finishing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 40 minutes to have a hearty and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat The Oven:
Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This helps create that perfect creamy feta texture when it bakes.
2. Cook The Pasta:
While the oven heats up, grab a large pot and fill it with salted water. Bring it to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, meaning it should still have a little bite. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Prepare The Ingredients:
In a medium baking dish, place the block of feta cheese right in the center. Then, sprinkle the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced zucchini all around it. This will help to infuse the flavors as they bake.
4. Season Everything:
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta and veggies. Then, add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!), salt, and pepper. Toss the tomatoes and zucchini gently in the dish to coat them in all that tasty oil and seasoning.
5. Bake It Up:
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the feta cheese is softened and the tomatoes are bursting with juice.
6. Create That Creamy Sauce:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Use a spoon to mix and mash the feta along with the roasted tomatoes and zucchini until you get a creamy sauce. It smells divine!
7. Mix In The Pasta:
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with your creamy sauce. It should be colorful and inviting!
8. Add Fresh Herbs:
Stir in the chopped fresh basil and parsley for that extra burst of flavor. Take a moment to taste your dish and adjust the seasonings with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Garnish And Serve:
To finish, garnish with extra fresh herbs and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper. Serve it warm and enjoy your delightful veggie pasta!
Happy cooking, and I hope you love every creamy bite of this veggie pasta!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach would all make great substitutions. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you’re using denser vegetables.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! To make this dish vegan, you can substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta or make a cashew cream. Blend soaked cashews with lemon juice, garlic, and a little nutritional yeast for a delicious creamy alternative!
What Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?
This recipe works well with rigatoni or penne, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the type of pasta you choose.
