Description
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines roasted cherry tomatoes, smoky smoked turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based feta cheese (plant-based) to create a luscious sauce that coats every bite of pasta. Easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and a single baking dish, this recipe is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The harmonious blend of sweet tomatoes, savory bacon, and fresh basil makes it both indulgent and refreshingly simple.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Sauce Base
- 1 block plant-based feta cheese (plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Protein
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Pasta
- 8 ounces dry penne or fusilli pasta (or gluten-free alternative)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic cloves. Cut the plant-based feta cheese (plant-based) block into one chunk and lightly oil a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Baking Dish: Place the plant-based feta cheese (plant-based) block in the center of the baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and evenly scatter the minced garlic. Drizzle olive oil (natural) generously over everything, then season with salt and pepper. Add a splash of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar (natural) for enhanced flavor.
- Add the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Scatter the smoked turkey bacon pieces around the feta and tomatoes evenly. This will allow the bacon to crisp up while the tomatoes soften.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the tomatoes burst and the feta cheese (plant-based) softens and becomes creamy. The smoked turkey bacon should become crispy during this time.
- Cook the Pasta: While the baking dish is in the oven, cook the dry pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce if needed.
- Combine and Toss: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Mash the roasted tomatoes and plant-based feta cheese (plant-based) together to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss well to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as desired.
- Final Touches: Stir in fresh basil leaves and drizzle with a little extra olive oil (natural). Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for sweeter, juicier roasting.
- Monitor the feta cheese (plant-based) during baking to ensure it softens without drying out.
- Reserve pasta water as its starch helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
- Use fresh smoked turkey bacon pieces added before baking for the crispiest texture.
- Add fresh herbs like basil at the end for vibrant flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: baked feta pasta, plant-based feta, turkey bacon, roasted tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, quick dinner, gluten-free pasta, vegetarian option
