Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

The Best Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Crispy roasted feta nestled with broccoli creates a Mediterranean-inspired pasta dream that’ll revolutionize your dinner routine.

Tangy cheese melts into golden edges, creating irresistible caramelized moments.

Robust broccoli florets absorb incredible Mediterranean seasonings during high-heat roasting.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical with minimal kitchen effort.

Bright lemon zest and red pepper flakes add unexpected complexity to this one-pan wonder.

Rich textures and bold flavors merge seamlessly in this quick weeknight meal.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable bite of this comforting dish.

Why You’ll Crave Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Again

  • Conquer Dinner Complexity: This recipe transforms complex cooking into a straightforward process with minimal chopping and simple ingredients, making it perfect for home cooks at any skill level.
  • Customize with Creativity: Easily swap ingredients like using different vegetables or adding protein to match personal taste preferences, creating a versatile meal that adapts to your kitchen.
  • Maximize Flavor Efficiency: Roasting feta and broccoli together concentrates their natural flavors, delivering a rich, creamy sauce without extensive preparation or multiple cooking steps.
  • Celebrate Minimal Cleanup: One-pan cooking means less dishwashing and kitchen mess, allowing more time to enjoy the delicious meal with family and friends.

What Goes into Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Feta Cheese: A tangy Greek cheese that creates a creamy sauce when roasted and crushed.
  • Broccoli: Fresh vegetable that adds nutrition and crispy texture to the pasta dish.
  • Pasta: The base of the recipe that absorbs the flavorful roasted feta and broccoli sauce.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Dried Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic spices that provide depth and warmth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.
Finishing Touches:
  • Olive Oil: Helps roast the feta and broccoli while adding richness to the dish.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a fresh herbal note and additional cheesy complexity to the final presentation.

Simple Steps to Make Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Set your oven to 400°F and grab a large baking dish ready for the pasta magic.

Step 2: Chop Broccoli

Break down broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces that will roast beautifully and distribute evenly.

Step 3: Prepare Flavor Boosters

  • Mince garlic into tiny fragments
  • Grab dried oregano
  • Collect red pepper flakes
  • Have salt and black pepper nearby

Step 4: Create Roasting Foundation

Place the entire feta block right in the center of your baking dish, surrounding it completely with broccoli florets.

Step 5: Season and Dress

Drizzle olive oil generously across the feta and broccoli, ensuring every surface gets a delicious coating.

Step 6: Sprinkle Flavor Enhancers

Scatter minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper all over the dish to create a flavor explosion.

Step 7: Roast to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until broccoli edges turn crispy and feta becomes soft and slightly golden.

Step 8: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, usually taking 8-10 minutes. Drain completely.

Step 9: Transform Feta into Sauce

Pull the baking dish out of the oven and immediately crush the feta with a fork, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce.

Step 10: Combine Pasta and Roasted Goodness

Toss the cooked pasta directly into the roasted feta-broccoli mixture, making sure every noodle gets a luxurious coating.

Step 11: Finish with Fresh Touches

Scatter fresh torn basil leaves and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top before serving piping hot.

Tips to Nail Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta

  • Customize Chopping Technique: Cut broccoli florets into similar-sized pieces to guarantee uniform roasting and prevent uneven cooking.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Generously drizzle olive oil and sprinkle herbs to enhance the dish's aromatic profile and taste depth.
  • Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Watch pasta closely during boiling, aiming for al dente texture by testing doneness around 8-9 minutes.
  • Create Creamy Sauce Perfectly: Immediately crush roasted feta with a fork after removing from oven to develop a smooth, rich sauce consistency.
  • Elevate Serving Presentation: Scatter fresh basil leaves and freshly grated parmesan cheese on top for a vibrant, restaurant-quality finish.

Creative Add-Ins for Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta

  • Mediterranean Spinach Swap: Replace broccoli with fresh spinach leaves for a silky, iron-rich alternative that wilts perfectly during roasting.
  • Protein Power Boost: Add cubed chicken breast or crispy pancetta alongside the feta for extra protein and depth of flavor.
  • Lemony Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh lemon zest and chopped dill to brighten the dish with citrusy, herbaceous notes.
  • Spicy Chorizo Edition: Sprinkle diced Spanish chorizo around the feta for a smoky, spicy kick that complements the creamy cheese.

The Best Sides for Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta

  • Pair Wine with Creamy Feta Pasta: Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the tangy feta and roasted broccoli, cutting through the richness while enhancing the dish's herbal notes.
  • Enhance Mediterranean Flavors: Serve alongside a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives to mirror the pasta's Mediterranean essence and provide refreshing contrast to the warm, creamy dish.
  • Boost Herbal Undertones: Add a zesty lemon-herb gremolata sprinkled on top to intensify the oregano and basil notes, bringing brightness and a fresh aromatic dimension to the roasted feta pasta.

Storing Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta with Ease

  • Transfer remaining pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining its delicious flavor and texture.
  • Carefully pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, keeping for 1-2 months, ensuring a quick meal option for busy days.
  • Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet with a splash of olive oil, stirring gently to restore moisture and prevent drying out, or microwave with a small amount of water to maintain creamy consistency.
  • Store pasta and sauce separately if possible, mixing just before reheating to preserve the original crisp broccoli edges and prevent mushiness.

Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Q&A

  • Is this dish vegetarian?

Yes, this baked feta and broccoli pasta is completely vegetarian, featuring no meat ingredients and relying on cheese, vegetables, and pasta for its delicious flavor profile.

  • Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Frozen broccoli works well, but thaw and pat it dry first to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery during roasting.

  • How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that provides subtle warmth without overwhelming the dish. You can adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

  • What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal as they capture the creamy feta sauce and hold onto the broccoli pieces effectively.

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Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy Mediterranean “Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta” brings Greek-inspired comfort to your dinner table with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Simple roasted ingredients meld into a rich, cheesy sauce that elevates weeknight cooking for pasta enthusiasts who crave effortless gourmet experiences.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 400 g / 14 oz feta cheese
  • 500 g / 1.1 lb broccoli florets
  • 400 g / 14 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)

pasta sauce ingredients:

  • 60 ml / 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

seasoning and garnish:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
  • 30 g / 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing a large baking dish for the pasta ensemble.
  2. Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform cooking and texture.
  3. Mince garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic potential for the sauce.
  4. Place whole feta block in the center of the baking dish, surrounding it with prepared broccoli florets.
  5. Drizzle olive oil generously over the feta and broccoli, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper across the dish for robust flavor infusion.
  7. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until broccoli edges crisp and feta softens and slightly browns.
  8. Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain.
  9. Remove baking dish from oven and immediately crush feta with a fork, creating a creamy sauce.
  10. Toss cooked pasta directly into the roasted feta-broccoli mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
  11. Garnish with fresh torn basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

  • Prep Broccoli Wisely: Cut florets into similar-sized pieces for even roasting and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Feta Tip: Use high-quality block feta at room temperature to help it melt and create a creamier sauce more effectively.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness, making the recipe adaptable for mild or spicy preference.
  • Dietary Modifications: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different nutritional needs without compromising flavor.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 557
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 640 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 36 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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