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
- 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