Pin A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta, hearty chickpeas, and sweet roasted tomatoes, all served over your choice of pasta or rice for an affordable, satisfying meal.
I first made this dish to bring a taste of summer to our dinner table even on busy weeknights, and was amazed by how quickly everyone devoured it.
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 or uncooked rice: 300 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g uncooked rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: Optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large baking dish, mix cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil, seasoning with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper and tossing to coat.
- Add Feta:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center, nestled among the vegetables, and drizzle a bit of olive oil over it.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and the feta becomes golden and soft.
- Cook Pasta or Rice:
- While baking, cook the pasta or rice according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Create Sauce:
- Mash the baked feta gently and stir it into the tomatoes and chickpeas to form a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon the mixture over cooked pasta or rice and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, plus lemon, if desired.
Pin This meal quickly became a favorite for our casual Sunday gatherings, with everyone asking for seconds and the recipe.
Required Tools
You'll need a large baking dish, saucepan for your pasta or rice, colander, knife, and chopping board to prepare this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (if using regular pasta). For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or rice and always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (with pasta): Calories 480, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 18 g.
Pin Bring Mediterranean flavors to your weeknight dinner with this easy, hearty dish. Enjoy leftovers cold or reheated for a speedy meal the next day!
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use vegan cheese instead of feta?
Yes, vegan feta alternatives can be substituted for a plant-based version while maintaining the creamy texture.
- → What’s the best option for serving: pasta or rice?
Both pasta and rice work well. Choose based on preference or dietary needs for a hearty base.
- → How do I prevent the feta from drying out during baking?
Placing the block of feta nestled among the other ingredients and drizzling olive oil over it helps keep it moist and creamy.
- → Can additional vegetables be added to this dish?
Yes, adding spinach, kale, or other greens to the baking dish enhances flavor and nutrition.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely—use gluten-free pasta or serve with rice to keep it gluten-free.