This Healthy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables is a light and satisfying twist on the viral feta pasta trend. I bake the feta with juicy cherry tomatoes and colorful vegetables, then toss it all together with whole grain or gluten-free pasta for a wholesome, creamy, and flavorful dish. It’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe balances rich and creamy feta with fresh roasted vegetables. It takes just a few minutes of prep time before the oven does most of the work. The final result is deliciously creamy without the need for any heavy cream or extra butter. I can mix in whatever vegetables I have on hand, making it flexible, healthy, and easy to customize. Plus, cleanup is simple since most of the cooking happens in one baking dish.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- cherry tomatoes
- block of feta cheese
- bell peppers (any color)
- zucchini or yellow squash
- red onion
- garlic cloves
- olive oil
- Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- salt and pepper
- cooked whole wheat or gluten-free pasta
- fresh spinach or basil for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, I add cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. I drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat.
- I make space in the center and place the block of feta in the middle. I drizzle a little more olive oil on top of the feta.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the vegetables are roasted and the feta is soft and golden.
- While the feta and vegetables bake, I cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Once everything is baked, I mash the feta and vegetables together in the dish to create a creamy sauce.
- I stir in the cooked pasta and fresh spinach or basil until well combined. The spinach will wilt from 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 like switching things up by adding different vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus. For extra protein, I sometimes mix in cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken. If I want a little heat, I sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking. I also occasionally use a dairy-free feta alternative to keep it completely plant-based.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave it for 1-2 minutes or warm it in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. The flavors get even better the next day.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Yes, but a block of feta melts creamier and creates a better sauce. Crumbled feta still works, though the texture may be slightly different.
What pasta works best with this recipe?
I like using whole wheat pasta, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free options like brown rice pasta. Short shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. I use a vegan feta-style cheese, and it still turns out creamy and flavorful.
Do I have to use cherry tomatoes?
No, but they’re my favorite because they roast beautifully. Grape tomatoes or even chopped Roma tomatoes work too.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and tastes great the next day, so I often make it ahead for lunches or busy weeknights.
Conclusion
Healthy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables is one of my go-to recipes when I want something comforting, fresh, and easy to make. I love how customizable it is, and it never fails to impress with its creamy, veggie-packed goodness. It’s a simple way to enjoy a flavorful, nourishing meal with minimal effort.
PrintHealthy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables
Healthy Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables is a lighter, veggie-packed twist on the viral feta pasta trend. This wholesome dish is creamy, colorful, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- 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
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 block (7 oz) feta cheese
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
- 1 zucchini or yellow squash, chopped
- 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 whole wheat or gluten-free pasta, cooked
- 1 cup fresh spinach or basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Make space in the center of the dish and place the block of feta in the middle. Drizzle remaining olive oil over the feta.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until vegetables are roasted and feta is soft and slightly golden.
- While baking, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Mash the feta and roasted vegetables together to form a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach or basil. Toss until well combined and spinach is wilted.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a block of feta for the creamiest texture, though crumbled feta can work in a pinch.
- Try adding mushrooms, broccoli, or asparagus for variety.
- Chickpeas or grilled chicken make great protein additions.
- For a plant-based version, use dairy-free feta.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes before baking for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of dish
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
