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Baked Harissa Feta Pasta

Baked Harissa Feta Pasta
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Baked Harissa Feta Pasta is a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines spicy harissa paste with creamy baked feta cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes to create a luscious, flavorful sauce clinging perfectly to pasta. Quick to prepare and versatile, this comforting yet exciting meal is ideal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 block (about 200g) feta cheese
  • 1 cup harissa paste (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni preferred)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the cherry tomatoes and place them in a baking dish with the block of feta cheese centered. Mince the garlic and have your harissa paste ready.
  2. Assemble in the baking dish: Drizzle olive oil generously over the tomatoes and feta, then spoon the harissa paste on top. Toss the tomatoes lightly to coat them in olive oil and harissa but keep the feta block intact in the center for even roasting.
  3. Bake until bubbly: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and burst, and the feta is golden and creamy. This roasting turns the ingredients into a luscious sauce base.
  4. Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your choice of pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.
  5. Combine and finish the dish: Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir everything together, smashing some tomatoes and feta to create a creamy, spicy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss well, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky consistency. Finish with lemon juice, fresh herbs, and seasoning to taste.

Notes

  • Use a block of feta, not crumbled, for a creamier sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to help create a smooth and cohesive sauce.
  • Watch the bake time to avoid overcooking or drying out the sauce.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish.
  • Harissa brands vary in heat—taste before adding too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: harissa, feta pasta, baked feta, spicy pasta, Mediterranean pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/baked-harissa-feta-pasta/