Save A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta, hearty chickpeas, and sweet roasted tomatoes. Serve over pasta or rice for an affordable, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor in every bite.
This recipe took me right back to summer evenings on the patio, enjoying Mediterranean flavors with friends. Baking feta with chickpeas and tomatoes became my go-to for a quick weeknight dinner that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: 1 block (200 g), creamy and tangy
- Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g), drained and rinsed, adds hearty texture
- Cherry tomatoes: 400 g, halved for sweetness
- 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 for serving
Instructions
- Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Assemble:
- Combine cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil in a large baking dish. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat.
- Add Feta:
- Place block of feta in the center of the dish among the vegetables. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft.
- Cook Pasta/Rice:
- While baking, cook pasta or rice per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make Sauce:
- Once baked, mash feta gently and stir to make a creamy sauce with tomatoes and chickpeas.
- Serve:
- Spoon mixture over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon.
Save I remember making this for a family potluck, and it quickly became a favorite. The kids loved scooping the creamy feta sauce onto their rice, and even my picky eater asked for seconds.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan for pasta or rice, colander for draining, knife and chopping board for prep.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy if using traditional feta cheese. For gluten-free, opt for rice or gluten-free pasta and always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving with pasta provides approx. 480 calories, 17 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.
Save This fuss-free recipe brings the Mediterranean to your kitchen with every creamy, savory bite. Experiment with pastas and greens for your family's favorite twist.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use vegan cheese instead of feta?
Yes, swapping with vegan feta alternatives works well to keep the creamy texture while making it plant-based.
- → Is it possible to bake this dish without pasta or rice?
Absolutely, the baked feta, chickpeas, and tomatoes can be enjoyed with crusty bread or as a warm dip.
- → What herbs complement this dish best?
Dried oregano is used during baking, while fresh basil or parsley make excellent garnishes for added aroma and freshness.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the bake?
Yes, adding spinach or kale before baking introduces more greens and nutrients to the dish.
- → How do I prevent the feta from drying out in the oven?
Drizzling olive oil over the feta and baking at a moderate temperature helps keep it soft and creamy.