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Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta is a deliciously creamy, tangy, and savory dish that combines roasted broccoli, baked feta cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. The feta softens and blends with the broccoli after baking, creating a unique sauce when combined with pasta water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh basil. It’s an easy one-dish meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors, ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta and Water

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 4 cups broccoli florets (about 12 oz), quartered
  • 8 oz brick of feta cheese

Seasonings and Flavorings

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the broccoli florets into quarters and place them evenly in a baking dish. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper. Toss the broccoli to coat all pieces evenly in the oil and seasonings.
  2. Add Feta: Create a space in the center of the broccoli and place the entire 8 oz brick of feta cheese there. Drizzle additional olive oil and some black pepper over the top of the feta to enhance its flavor during baking.
  3. Bake Broccoli and Feta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes. During this time, the broccoli will roast to tender perfection and the feta will soften and begin to melt, creating a creamy texture.
  4. Cook Pasta: While the broccoli and feta bake, cook 8 oz of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water to use later for adjusting sauce consistency.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Once the broccoli and feta are done baking, remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately stir the feta and broccoli together until well combined and creamy.
  6. Create the Sauce: Pour in the reserved 1/2 cup of pasta water gradually, stirring continuously until you reach your desired creaminess in the sauce.
  7. Mix Pasta with Sauce: Add the warm, cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir thoroughly to coat the pasta with the creamy feta and broccoli sauce.
  8. Finish with Lemon and Basil: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped basil to add brightness and fresh herbal notes. Mix well and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Be sure to reserve pasta water before draining, as it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
  • Using a block of feta rather than crumbled feta yields a creamier sauce when baked.
  • Feel free to substitute gluten-free pasta if desired for a gluten-free version.
  • The lemon zest and juice add a fresh, tangy contrast to the richness of the feta.
  • This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal.

Find it online: https://dishmelt.com/baked-feta-and-broccoli-pasta-recipe/