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
What Goes into Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta
Main Ingredients:Flavor Enhancers:Finishing Touches: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
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
Creative Add-Ins for Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta
The Best Sides for Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta
Storing Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta with Ease
Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Q&A
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.
Frozen broccoli works well, but thaw and pat it dry first to prevent excess moisture that could make the dish watery during roasting.
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.
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli are ideal as they capture the creamy feta sauce and hold onto the broccoli pieces effectively.
PrintBaked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
- 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
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
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing a large baking dish for the pasta ensemble.
- Chop broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform cooking and texture.
- Mince garlic cloves finely, releasing their aromatic potential for the sauce.
- Place whole feta block in the center of the baking dish, surrounding it with prepared broccoli florets.
- Drizzle olive oil generously over the feta and broccoli, ensuring even coverage.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper across the dish for robust flavor infusion.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until broccoli edges crisp and feta softens and slightly browns.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain.
- Remove baking dish from oven and immediately crush feta with a fork, creating a creamy sauce.
- Toss cooked pasta directly into the roasted feta-broccoli mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- 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)
Senior Food Editor
Expertise
Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert
Education
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.