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Creamy Baked Feta Strawberry Pasta Recipe Easy Summer Twist Delight

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A unique summer pasta dish combining creamy baked feta with sweet strawberries, fresh basil, and a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle)
  • 8-ounce block of feta cheese
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • Zest of one lemon
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Balsamic glaze for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the block of feta in the center of a medium-sized baking dish (about 9×9 inches). Scatter halved strawberries around it. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle minced garlic over the top.
  3. Season lightly with cracked black pepper; do not add salt as feta is naturally salty.
  4. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until feta is golden and softened and strawberries are juicy and slightly caramelized.
  5. While baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente (about 9-11 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  6. Remove feta and strawberries from oven and mash together with a fork in the baking dish. Add lemon zest, remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, and honey if using. Stir to create a creamy sauce.
  7. Add cooked pasta to the dish and toss gently to coat with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce is too thick.
  8. Fold in fresh basil leaves and adjust seasoning with pepper and a pinch of salt if needed.
  9. Serve immediately with an optional drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Notes

Do not overbake the feta to avoid dryness. Use ripe but firm strawberries to prevent watery sauce. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce as needed. Stir gently to keep strawberry chunks intact. Optional honey and balsamic glaze add sweetness and tang. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute cheese and pasta accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked feta pasta, strawberry pasta, summer pasta recipe, creamy feta pasta, easy pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta

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