Easy Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Easy Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas, a comforting dish that combines creamy feta cheese, savory chickpeas, and vibrant cherry tomatoes. This simple yet impressive recipe transforms a few everyday ingredients into a culinary masterpiece, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Experience the aromatic fusion of herbs and spices as you enjoy every cheesy bite. Meal prep friendly, this dish promises delicious leftovers throughout the week!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large baking dish, combine halved cherry tomatoes, drained chickpeas, and whole block of feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic over the top. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the feta is golden and creamy, and the tomatoes are burst open.
- While baking, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Once baked, mash the feta with a fork until creamy; mix it with the cooked pasta.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 528
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 28mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider substituting chickpeas with white beans or throw in some spinach. Enhance flavor by adding spices like paprika or red pepper flakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.