Veggie Pasta with Baked Feta is one of my favorite ways to get a comforting, veggie-packed meal on the table with minimal effort. I roast a block of feta alongside fresh vegetables until everything is tender and golden, then mix it all with cooked pasta for a creamy, tangy, and satisfying dish. It’s colorful, hearty, and comes together easily in under an hour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish feels indulgent without being heavy. The feta melts into a rich, savory sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, while the roasted vegetables add texture, color, and nutrition. It’s easy to throw together with whatever vegetables I have on hand, and it’s great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests with something that looks fancier than it is.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- block of feta cheese
- cherry tomatoes
- zucchini or yellow squash
- bell peppers
- red onion
- garlic cloves
- olive oil
- Italian seasoning or oregano
- salt and pepper
- pasta of choice (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- fresh basil or baby spinach (optional)
Directions
- I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, I add cherry tomatoes, chopped zucchini, bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. I drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then toss to coat.
- I make a space in the center and place the block of feta cheese there, then drizzle it with a little more olive oil.
- I bake everything for 30-35 minutes, until the veggies are roasted and the feta is golden and soft.
- While that bakes, I cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- After baking, I mash the feta and roasted vegetables together in the dish to form a creamy sauce.
- I stir in the cooked pasta and add fresh spinach or basil if using, letting it wilt slightly in the heat.
- I serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
I sometimes add olives, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist. For extra protein, I mix in cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken. I’ve also tried using dairy-free feta alternatives, and they work well for a plant-based version.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce. It’s just as delicious the next day.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
I prefer a block because it melts into a smoother, creamier sauce, but crumbled feta works if that’s what I have.
What kind of pasta works best?
I like short pasta shapes like penne or rotini—they catch the sauce and mix well with the vegetables.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, I use a plant-based feta alternative and it still tastes great with all the roasted veggies.
What vegetables can I use?
Almost any! I’ve used mushrooms, broccoli, eggplant, and even carrots. I just chop them small so they roast evenly.
Do I need to stir during baking?
No need to stir while it bakes. I let the feta and veggies roast undisturbed to get the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Veggie Pasta with Baked Feta is a cozy, colorful meal that I can feel good about eating. It’s simple, delicious, and endlessly customizable depending on what I have in my fridge. I love how it brings together rich flavor and wholesome ingredients in every bite.
PrintVeggie Pasta with Baked Feta
Veggie Pasta with Baked Feta is a colorful, comforting dish featuring creamy roasted feta and tender vegetables tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s a satisfying, simple meal that’s easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 block (7 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli)
- 1 cup fresh basil or baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat.
- Make a space in the center of the dish and place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of the feta.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the vegetables are roasted and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
- While baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once baked, mash the feta and roasted vegetables in the dish to form a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and fresh basil or spinach, stirring to combine and wilt the greens slightly.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or capers for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Use dairy-free feta for a vegan version.
- Any pasta shape works, but short types like penne hold the sauce best.
- Try adding chickpeas or grilled chicken for more protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of dish
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
