Save 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.
This recipe brings back memories of summer evenings with family when Mediterranean flavors filled the house. The combination of tangy feta and roasted tomatoes quickly became a favorite for our meatless nights.
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
- Pasta or rice: 300 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g uncooked rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: Optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Mix ingredients:
- Combine cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil in a large baking dish. Add oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly
- Add feta:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center and drizzle with olive oil
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft
- Cook pasta or rice:
- Prepare pasta or rice as per package instructions. Drain and set aside
- Create sauce:
- Mash the baked feta gently and stir into tomatoes and chickpeas for a creamy sauce
- Serve:
- Spoon the mixture over pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and squeeze lemon if desired
Save My kids love scooping the creamy tomato chickpea mixture over their favorite pasta and topping it with bright basil. It makes weeknight dinners relaxed and delicious for everyone.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan for pasta or rice, colander, knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using feta and gluten if using regular pasta. Use gluten-free pasta or rice for gluten-free. Check labels for packaged ingredients
Nutritional Information
Per serving with pasta: Calories 480, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 62 g, Protein 18 g
Save Enjoy this easy Mediterranean feast any night of the week. The creamy baked feta and burst tomatoes make every bite unforgettable.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use vegan cheese instead of feta?
Yes, substituting vegan feta allows for a plant-based version without losing the creamy texture.
- → What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Short pastas like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well, but spaghetti is also a good option.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta or serve over rice to keep it free from gluten.
- → Can I add greens to the bake?
Yes, spinach or kale can be added for extra nutrients and freshness.
- → How do the flavors develop during baking?
Baking softens the tomatoes until they burst, blending with melted feta and seasoned chickpeas for a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- → What herbs complement this dish best?
Fresh basil or parsley added after baking provide a vibrant herbal note that brightens the flavors.