Save to Pinterest A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta, hearty chickpeas, and sweet roasted tomatoes. It is served over your choice of pasta or rice for an affordable, satisfying meal.
The first time I made this recipe, I was amazed at how roasting feta and tomatoes together created such a luscious sauce with minimal effort. Every bite reminds me of sunny dinners shared with friends and family around the table.
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 (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or rice: 300 g dried pasta or 250 g uncooked rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: optional
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Assemble baking dish:
- Combine cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil in a large baking dish. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add feta cheese:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish among the tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle a little extra 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 according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine:
- Once baked, gently mash feta with a fork and stir into tomatoes and chickpeas to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon baked feta chickpea mixture over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and lemon, if desired.
Save to Pinterest My kids love scooping the creamy, tangy mixture onto warm pasta, and it's a fast dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan, colander, knife, and chopping board are all you need for this meal.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from feta and gluten if using regular pasta. For gluten-free, simply opt for gluten-free pasta or rice.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (with pasta): Calories 480, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 18 g.
Save to Pinterest This baked feta chickpeas and tomatoes recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's sure to be a new favorite in your rotation.
Common Questions
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
While feta offers a unique tangy creaminess, you can substitute with a vegan feta or a mild goat cheese for a similar texture and flavor profile.
- → What pasta types work best with this dish?
Short pastas like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well, but spaghetti can also be used. Alternatively, rice provides a gluten-free base.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes to the baking mixture or sprinkle them on top before serving for gentle heat.
- → Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients in advance and refrigerate. Bake the mixture fresh before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
- → What herbs pair well with baked feta and tomatoes?
Fresh basil or parsley enhances the dish with bright, herbal notes, complementing the creamy feta and roasted tomatoes.