Save It A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta, hearty chickpeas, and sweet roasted tomatoes, all served over your choice of pasta or rice for an affordable, satisfying meal.
The first time I made this, my kitchen smelled amazing and the whole family gathered at the table before I could even plate everything. Roasting feta with tomatoes creates a creamy sauce that everyone absolutely loved spooned over steaming pasta.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: 1 block (200 g)
- Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g), drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes: 400 g, halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp, optional
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Dried pasta or rice: 300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: optional
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Assemble Dish:
- Combine tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil in a large baking dish. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
- Add Feta:
- Place the feta block in the middle, nestling it among the vegetables. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft.
- Cook Pasta or Rice:
- Meanwhile, cook pasta or rice as per package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Mash Feta:
- Once baked, gently mash the feta with a fork and stir into the tomato-chickpea mix to form a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon mixture over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with basil or parsley and lemon if desired.
Save It Serving this at family dinner is always a hit. Even picky eaters scoop up seconds, and the bright colors make it a cheerful centerpiece on the table.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan, colander, knife and chopping board.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and may contain gluten unless rice or gluten-free pasta is used. Always check labels for packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Each serving with pasta contains about 480 calories, 17 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.
Save It This easy dinner brings sunshine to your table and is just as delicious the next day. Enjoy with friends or family for a satisfying meal that feels special but is simple to make.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use vegan cheese instead of feta?
Yes, swapping feta for a vegan alternative works well and keeps the creamy texture while making the dish plant-based.
- → Is it better to use pasta or rice for serving?
Both are excellent; pasta adds a familiar texture, while rice offers a gluten-free option and lighter base.
- → How can I add more greens to this dish?
Adding spinach or chopped kale to the baking dish before cooking infuses extra color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy feta and roasted vegetables beautifully.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but the baked feta mixture can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving over pasta or rice.