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- 250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) - 200g feta cheese, cut into small cubes - 400g cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference) - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - 1/2 cup reserved pasta water For this recipe, I focus on three main ingredients: the pasta, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes. You can use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Each type cooks well and holds the sauce nicely. The feta cheese brings a creamy texture and classic flavor. I like to cut it into small cubes so it melts just right. The cherry tomatoes are juicy and sweet. Halving them helps them burst and release their juices during cooking. The garlic adds depth to the dish. It gives a nice aroma and flavor. I also include a few seasonings. The oregano adds a warm, earthy taste. Red pepper flakes can spice up your dish, but adjust the amount based on your taste. For garnishing, I recommend fresh basil. It adds color and a nice aroma. Always season with salt and black pepper to enhance all the flavors. These ingredients create a simple yet flavorful dish that is sure to impress! 1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This step is key for flavor. 2. Once the water is boiling, add 250g of your favorite pasta. You can choose penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. 3. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Aim for an al dente texture, which means the pasta is firm but not hard. 4. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water is starchy and will help your sauce later. 5. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. 1. In a large skillet set over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Let it heat until it shimmers. 2. Add 3 cloves of finely minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want to smell the garlic without burning it. 3. Now, introduce 400g of halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. They will add sweetness and color. 4. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust spice to your liking. 5. Cook this mix for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes soften and burst, releasing their juices. 6. Season your sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. 1. Gently fold in 200g of cubed feta cheese into the skillet. This cheese adds a creamy texture. 2. Next, transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. 3. Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously. This helps coat all the pasta with the sauce. 4. Adjust the amount of pasta water based on how creamy you want your sauce. Keep stirring until everything is well mixed. How to prevent overcooking pasta: To avoid overcooking, follow the package directions. Check the pasta a minute early. It should be firm but not hard. When draining, keep 1/2 cup of pasta water. This helps later. Ideal garlic sautéing time: Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. You want it fragrant but not brown. If it burns, the taste will be bitter. Keep an eye on it. Adjusting creaminess with reserved pasta water: Add the reserved pasta water slowly. This helps make the sauce creamy. If you want it thicker, use less water. For a lighter sauce, add more. Seasoning adjustments for flavor enhancement: Taste your sauce before serving. You might need more salt or pepper. If it tastes flat, try adding a pinch of salt. Fresh basil also brightens the flavor. Recommended herbs and spices: Fresh basil is the best choice for this dish. You can also sprinkle some dried oregano on top. If you like heat, add a few more red pepper flakes. Visual presentation ideas: Serve the pasta in deep bowls. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top. Add cracked black pepper for a nice touch. A few extra basil leaves make it look fresh and inviting. {{image_4}} If you want gluten-free pasta, try using rice or quinoa pasta. These options work very well. You can also use chickpea pasta for more protein. For vegan cheese, look for brands that mimic feta. Many use nuts or tofu. This way, you can enjoy the dish without dairy. You can add vegetables to your pasta for extra taste. Spinach is a great choice; it wilts nicely. Bell peppers add a nice crunch and sweetness. You can also include protein for a heartier meal. Grilled chicken or shrimp makes it more filling. Just cook them separately and mix them in! For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and capers. This adds a briny flavor that pairs well. If you like spice, try adding jalapeños or a hot sauce. This gives the dish a fun kick. Get creative and make the dish your own! To store leftover Feta Tomato Pasta, let it cool to room temperature first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You should eat it within three days for the best taste. - Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. - Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the sauce. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best methods are using a microwave or a skillet. Both options can help keep the pasta's texture. - For the microwave, use medium heat. Heat for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway. - For a skillet, add a splash of water or olive oil. Heat on low, stirring often, for about 5 minutes. You can freeze Feta Tomato Pasta! It stays well for up to three months. Just make sure to cool it first, then pack it in a freezer-safe container. - To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. - Reheat in a skillet or microwave as described above. Add a little extra water if needed to bring back the creaminess. For Feta Tomato Pasta, I recommend using: - Penne - Fusilli - Spaghetti These shapes hold sauce well. They help create a creamy dish that sticks to each bite. Penne adds a nice chew, while fusilli captures sauce in its spirals. Spaghetti offers a classic feel. Any of these options will work great! Yes, you can use different cheeses! Here are some options: - Goat cheese - Ricotta - Cream cheese Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. Ricotta makes the dish extra creamy. Cream cheese gives a rich texture. Each cheese changes the taste. Be creative and mix it to match your mood! Want more heat? Here are some tips: - Add more red pepper flakes - Include fresh chili peppers - Use spicy olive oil Start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more! This way, you control the spice level. Enjoy your spicy twist! Feta Tomato Pasta is easy and fun to make. You can use various pasta shapes and fresh ingredients to create a flavorful dish. Remember to cook pasta to al dente and adjust your sauce for creaminess. Don't shy away from adding your favorite veggies or proteins for a twist. Storing leftovers is simple, too. Use proper containers for refrigeration or freezing. With these tips and tricks, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime. Try these ideas and make your Feta Tomato Pasta your own. Happy cooking!

Feta Tomato Pasta

Indulge in the creamy goodness of feta tomato pasta delight with this quick and easy recipe! This dish features perfectly cooked pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, savory feta, and aromatic garlic, creating a deliciously rich sauce that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, click through to explore the full recipe and make this flavorful meal tonight! Your taste buds will thank you!
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Ingredients
  

250g pasta (choose from penne, fusilli, or spaghetti for best results)

200g feta cheese, cut into small cubes

400g cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust according to your spice preference)

Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Just before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.

    Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the olive oil. Allow it to heat until shimmering. Once hot, add the minced garlic, sautéing for approximately 1 minute until you can smell its fragrant aroma. Take care not to let it burn.

      Add Tomatoes: Introduce the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet along with the dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture for around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the tomatoes start to soften and burst, releasing their juicy goodness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

        Incorporate Feta: Gently fold in the cube of feta cheese into the skillet, mixing well to allow the cheese to start melting and blend into the sauce beautifully.

          Combine with Pasta: Transfer the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously until all the pasta is evenly coated in your rich, creamy tomato-feta sauce. Adjust the amount of pasta water depending on how creamy you desire the sauce.

            Adjust and Serve: Before serving, take a moment to taste your pasta dish. Adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a touch more salt or pepper according to your preference.

              Garnish: Once ready, remove the skillet from the heat and generously garnish your pasta with torn fresh basil leaves for that aromatic touch.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, finishing with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. Add a few more torn basil leaves on top for an inviting splash of color and freshness. Enjoy your culinary creation!