If you loved the viral baked feta dish that took over social media, you’re going to adore this upgraded version of Baked Feta pasta Creamy Lemon Basil. It’s creamy, bright, fresh, and deeply satisfying. This recipe keeps everything you loved about the original but adds a burst of lemon and fragrant basil for a more balanced, gourmet flavor.
What makes Baked Feta pasta Creamy Lemon Basil so special is how effortlessly it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get a rich, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and customizable to your taste. If you want a no-fail dinner that feels elevated yet simple, this is it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✔️ Only 10 minutes of prep before baking
- ✔️ Creamy without heavy cream
- ✔️ Bright, fresh lemon flavor balances the richness
- ✔️ Budget-friendly and made with simple ingredients
- ✔️ Easily customizable with veggies or protein
- ✔️ Perfect for meal prep
- ✔️ Beginner-friendly and nearly impossible to mess up
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: ~520 calories per serving
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Diet Type: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz block feta cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh Additions
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- Extra basil leaves for garnish
- Freshly grated Parmesan (optional)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Feta: Use block feta in brine for best creaminess. Pre-crumbled feta won’t melt the same way.
- Pasta: Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works well.
- Tomatoes: If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, diced Roma tomatoes are fine.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is essential for brightness.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas blend beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Assemble the Base
Place the cherry tomatoes in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss gently to coat.
3. Add the Feta
Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle a little extra olive oil on top. This helps it soften and brown slightly.
4. Bake Until Soft and Burst
Bake for 25–30 minutes. The tomatoes should burst and release their juices, and the feta should look soft and lightly golden on top.
Tip: If you want slight browning, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
5. Cook the Pasta
While the feta bakes, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
6. Create the Creamy Sauce
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice directly into the hot dish. Stir everything together until creamy and smooth.
The heat from the tomatoes and feta will soften the garlic without making it harsh.
7. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss thoroughly to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening.
8. Finish with Fresh Basil
Fold in chopped basil. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Use quality feta: Danish or Greek block feta melts best.
- Salt your pasta water well: It should taste like the sea.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can dry the feta.
- Add garlic after baking: This keeps the flavor fresh and aromatic.
- Balance acidity: If too tangy, add a drizzle of honey.
- Texture tip: For extra creaminess, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of cream cheese.
Avoid using low-fat feta if possible. It doesn’t create the same luscious texture.
Variations & Add-Ons
Spicy Version
Add extra red pepper flakes or a spoon of chili paste.
Protein Boost
Mix in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or white beans.
Low-Carb Option
Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Veggie-Packed
Add spinach, roasted zucchini, or mushrooms to the baking dish.
Creamier Version
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or mascarpone for ultra richness.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk. Avoid microwaving too long, as feta can become grainy if overheated.
For meal prep, store pasta and sauce separately for best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Baked Feta Creamy Lemon Basil ahead of time?
Yes. You can bake the feta and tomatoes ahead of time, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta and basil for best texture and flavor.
2. Why is my sauce not creamy?
This usually happens if you use pre-crumbled or low-fat feta. Always choose block feta in brine. Also, mixing while the cheese is hot helps create a smooth sauce.
3. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is strongly recommended because it provides brightness and aroma. If necessary, use 1 teaspoon dried basil, but add it before baking so it can hydrate properly.
4. What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the creamy sauce well. Long pasta like spaghetti can work but may not capture the sauce as evenly.
5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. The creamy texture and mild feta flavor make it appealing. You can skip red pepper flakes if serving children.
Final Thoughts Try This Viral Classic with a Fresh Twist
If you haven’t tried Baked Feta pasta Creamy Lemon Basil yet, now is the perfect time. It’s creamy, bright, comforting, and incredibly simple. With minimal effort, you get a restaurant-worthy meal that feels fresh and modern.
Give it a try this week and make it your own. Add protein, spice it up, or load it with veggies. When you make it, leave a comment and share how you customized it. I’d love to hear your twist on this creamy lemon basil favorite!
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