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Homemade Baked Feta Tomato Chickpea Pasta photo

Baked Feta Tomato Chickpea Pasta

This Baked Feta Tomato Chickpea Pasta is a flavorful and hearty twist on a viral trend, blending creamy feta, roasted tomatoes, and protein-rich chickpeas for an effortless, delicious meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces pasta penne or fusilli
  • 8 ounces feta cheese block
  • 15 ounces chickpeas canned, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

  1. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta in the center of an oven-safe baking dish. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and drained chickpeas evenly around the feta.
  2. Drizzle the olive oil over everything, then sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper on top. Gently mix the tomatoes and chickpeas to coat them with oil and seasonings, keeping the feta block intact.
  3. Bake the dish for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting, chickpeas are golden, and the feta is soft and browning on top.
  4. While baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  5. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Mash the feta and roasted tomatoes together with a fork or spoon, mixing in the chickpeas to create a creamy, chunky sauce.
  6. Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

  • Use high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to achieve a silky sauce consistency.
  • Cherry tomatoes can be swapped for grape or small heirloom tomatoes for different flavors.
  • Pair with a light salad or crusty bread to soak up extra sauce.
  • Add cream cheese or Greek yogurt for an even creamier texture after mixing pasta and sauce.