Jamie Oliver Roasted Feta Pasta
This dish features a block of feta cheese roasted alongside cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil until soft and caramelized. The baked ingredients are then mashed into a creamy sauce before being tossed with pasta, creating a perfectly balanced meal with a rich, tangy flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- Feta cheese (1 block, around 200g) – The star of the dish, creamy and tangy.
- Cherry tomatoes (500g) – Provides sweetness and depth.
- Garlic cloves (3-4, minced) – Infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor.
- Olive oil (4 tbsp) – Enhances roasting and brings richness.
- Dried oregano (1 tsp) – Adds a Mediterranean touch.
- Red chili flakes (optional, ½ tsp) – For a subtle kick.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Balances flavors.
- Pasta (300g, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti) – The perfect base for the sauce.
- Fresh basil (a handful, chopped) – For a fresh, herby finish.
- Lemon zest (1 tsp, optional) – Adds a hint of brightness.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare the ingredients: Place the block of feta in the center of a baking dish. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around it, then drizzle everything with olive oil.
- Season the dish: Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red chili flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper over the feta and tomatoes. Toss gently to coat the tomatoes evenly.
- Roast the feta and tomatoes: Bake for 25 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns soft and golden.
- Cook the pasta: While the feta is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Mash the sauce: Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the softened feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Stir in lemon zest for extra brightness.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to coat it in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Stir in fresh basil and serve immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Find it online: https://britishbakingrecipes.co.uk/roasted-feta-pasta/