This Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta is the kind of recipe that instantly feels like home, combining sun-sweet roasted tomatoes, tangy feta, and rich cream to wrap your favorite pasta in sheer comfort. Every forkful is loaded with juicy bursts of flavor from the tomatoes, dreamy creaminess from the feta and yogurt, and a whisper of herby elegance. It’s equally perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual dinner party—simple, vibrant, and so irresistibly craveable you’ll be thinking about it long after the last bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to whip up this Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta, but every single one pulls its weight in deliciousness. The magic comes from how these essentials—each bringing their own character—mingle together in every mouthful.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (500 g): Their natural sweetness intensifies with roasting, creating jammy, juicy flavor bombs throughout the dish.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the tomatoes caramelize beautifully and ties the sauce together with a fruity richness.
- Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Adds a deep, aromatic base that awakens all the other ingredients.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Builds a subtle herbaceous layer, echoing Mediterranean warmth.
- Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Pasta (300 g): Choose spaghetti, penne, or your favorite shape—each holds the sauce in its own special way.
- Feta Cheese, Crumbled (½ cup): The star ingredient that melts into a creamy, tangy cloud and gives the sauce its signature flair.
- Heavy Cream or Greek Yogurt (¼ cup): Rounds out the sauce with an extra luscious, velvety texture.
- Fresh Basil (2 tablespoons, chopped): Finishes the dish with vibrant color and a fresh, peppery lift.
- Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle, warming kick that dances in the background.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta
Step 1: Roast the Tomatoes to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a bowl, toss the cherry or grape tomatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Spread everything out on a baking tray in a single, even layer. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft, just beginning to burst, and lightly caramelized around the edges—this is where the deep, sweet flavor really comes alive.
Step 2: Boil the Pasta
While the tomatoes are roasting, set a large pot of salted water on to boil. Cook your pasta of choice according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente; you’ll want it to have some bite so it can stand up to the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a splash of the pasta water for later in case your sauce needs thinning.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Feta Sauce
In a large skillet set over low heat, combine the roasted tomatoes (juices and all), crumbled feta, and your choice of heavy cream or Greek yogurt. Gently stir as the feta starts to melt and mingle with the cream, creating a silky, slightly thick sauce accented by luscious tomato juices. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta directly into your skillet with the tomato-feta sauce. Toss everything thoroughly, letting the pasta absorb the flavors and the sauce cling lovingly to every strand or shape. If things start to look a bit thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up until you have the perfect creamy consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Slide the finished Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta into serving bowls or onto a platter. Shower with fresh chopped basil and, if you love a little warmth, a scattering of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately, while everything is hot and glowing with the creamy, herby aroma.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta
Garnishes
Nothing brightens up this dish quite like a generous sprinkle of fresh basil—the herbal note plays perfectly off the creamy, tangy sauce. Try adding extra crumbled feta or freshly cracked black pepper before bringing it to the table for extra flavor and color. For those who like a touch of heat, red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil really make the dish sing.
Side Dishes
You can keep things simple with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or serve some warm, crusty bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables or lightly grilled asparagus also complement the Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta beautifully, adding freshness and even more Mediterranean flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls for an elegant touch, or let guests help themselves from a big, vibrant platter. You could also nestle the pasta in a bed of sautéed greens, or top each portion with a poached egg for a luxurious (and delicious) twist. If you’re feeling playful, offer a build-your-own garnish bar with bowls of herbs, cheeses, and spice blends so everyone can customize their plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta holds up well for leftovers! Store any extra pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors tend to get even deeper as they mingle overnight, but expect the sauce to thicken slightly as it chills.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Spoon individual portions into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Note that cream- or cheese-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly after freezing, but a thorough stir when reheating will help bring the sauce back together.
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the pasta to a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk, cream, or reserved pasta water to help restore the creamy texture. Heat gently, stirring often, until warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the stovetop yields the best, most luscious results.
FAQs
Can I make Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can roast the tomatoes and prepare the sauce a day in advance, then cook the pasta and toss everything together just before serving. This helps streamline dinner while keeping everything tasting fresh and vibrant.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can use a plant-based feta (there are some surprisingly good options out there) and swap the cream or yogurt for a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or oat-based yogurt. The sauce will still come together beautifully and taste delicious!
Which pasta shape works best?
Honestly, whatever you love! Spaghetti twirls beautifully with the sauce, while penne or rigatoni catches those creamy tomato bits in every bite. Even short shapes like fusilli are lovely for soaking up sauce and packing in flavor.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely—grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy tofu all pair wonderfully with Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta. Stir in your protein of choice when tossing the pasta with the sauce to keep things extra satisfying.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Just amp up the red pepper flakes, or try stirring a pinch of chili powder right into the tomato mixture before roasting. You can also serve hot sauce or chili oil on the side to let everyone control their own spice level.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that delivers both easy comfort and impressive flavor, this Creamy Roasted Tomato Pasta with Feta is a must-try. I can’t wait for you to experience how something so simple can taste so special—give it a go, and don’t forget to savor every deliciously creamy, tangy bite!