I remember the first time I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta recipe. I was scrolling through Instagram one evening, feeling uninspired about dinner, when I saw it. A simple photo of creamy pasta, roasted feta, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, with just the right hint of olive oil and herbs. The colors were so inviting, and the promise of minimal effort with maximum flavor hooked me instantly.
What makes this dish so special? It’s not just the taste. It’s the effortless way it comes together, the balance of tangy, creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, and a touch of herbs. It’s a meal that feels like comfort food but with a little twist that elevates it. Perfect for both a weeknight dinner and when you’re entertaining friends.
Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta Recipe
Jamie Oliver is a master at making simple ingredients shine, and this recipe is no exception. In true Jamie fashion, the Roast Feta Pasta is a celebration of a few humble ingredients-pasta, feta cheese, tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil-that come together to create a dish that feels like a gourmet meal without the fuss.
I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and each time I find myself amazed at how well it works. The feta transforms as it roasts, turning into a creamy, almost velvety sauce when combined with the pasta and the roasting juices from the tomatoes.
Ingredients Needed
Let’s break it down. Here’s what you’ll need to recreate this easy yet flavorful dish:
- Pasta: Any pasta will do, but I prefer something with a little surface area, like penne or rigatoni, to hold the sauce.
- Feta cheese: The star of the show. Use a block of feta, not crumbled. The texture change as it roasts is key to the magic of this dish.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy. These will roast down beautifully, creating a base for the sauce.
- Olive oil: Good quality olive oil will elevate this dish. It helps the tomatoes and feta roast evenly and adds richness.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves, smashed. Garlic and roasted tomatoes are a match made in heaven.
- Fresh basil: For a pop of color and freshness to finish off the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat, depending on your preference.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta
Making this dish is almost too easy, but the result will make you feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Here’s how to bring it all together:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). It’s always a good idea to let it get nice and hot before you start cooking.
- Prepare the baking dish: In a large oven-proof dish, place your block of feta in the center. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the feta, and add smashed garlic cloves.
- Drizzle with olive oil: Pour a generous amount of olive oil over the feta, tomatoes, and garlic. You want everything to be well-coated.
- Season: Sprinkle some salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). The feta is already salty, so be cautious with the salt.
- Roast: Pop the dish in the oven and roast for about 30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and the tomatoes have burst.
- Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta according to package instructions. You want it to be al dente.
- Combine: Once everything’s out of the oven, use a spoon to gently break the feta apart. The combination of the feta, tomato juices, and olive oil will turn into a creamy sauce.
- Toss the pasta: Add your cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything together. The sauce will coat the pasta beautifully.
- Finish with basil: Tear fresh basil leaves over the top for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s take a minute to explore the science behind the ingredients that make this dish so special.
- Feta cheese: Feta is a brined cheese, which means it’s salty and tangy. When it roasts, the moisture evaporates, making the cheese soft and spreadable, which turns into a creamy, almost sauce-like texture. This transformation is what gives the dish its signature richness.
- Tomatoes: Roasting tomatoes brings out their natural sugars, creating a sweetness that balances the saltiness of the feta. As they burst open, they release their juices, which combines with the olive oil to form a flavorful sauce.
- Garlic: Roasting garlic mellows out its sharpness and brings out a rich, nutty flavor. When mixed with the feta and tomatoes, it enhances the overall depth of the sauce.
- Olive oil: Olive oil acts as a flavor carrier. It helps all the ingredients meld together, and its richness coats the pasta in a way that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Expert Tips
- Use the best feta you can find: The quality of feta will make a noticeable difference. If possible, get your feta from a local deli or specialty shop. It should be crumbly yet creamy and have a strong, salty tang.
- Don’t skip the pasta water: When you drain your pasta, save a cup of the cooking water. You can use it to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick when combining it with the pasta.
- Get creative with herbs: If you don’t have basil, you can experiment with fresh thyme, oregano, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
- Roast for a little longer for a deeper flavor: If you like your feta extra caramelized and your tomatoes super concentrated, feel free to roast for an extra 10 minutes. It will deepen the flavor even more.
Recipe Variations
- Add spinach or kale: Before tossing the pasta, stir in some fresh spinach or kale. It adds some greens and texture, plus a nutritional boost.
- Swap feta for goat cheese: If you prefer a milder, tangier flavor, try goat cheese in place of feta.
- Add olives or capers: For an extra briny kick, toss in some Kalamata olives or capers along with the tomatoes.
- Vegetarian protein: If you’re looking for a protein boost, add some chickpeas or lentils. These will soak up the sauce and add heartiness.
- Change up the pasta: Try different pasta shapes for texture variety. Or even go gluten-free if you need to.
Final Words
Every time I make Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta, I’m reminded of how something so simple can be so satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a treat without the need for fancy ingredients or complicated steps. The balance of flavors-the salty feta, sweet tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil-is a classic combination that works every time.
FAQs
How Long Should I Roast The Feta In Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?
Roast the feta for about 30 minutes at 180°C (350°F) until it’s golden and soft.
What Type Of Pasta Works Best For This Recipe?
Any short pasta like penne or fusilli works great, but you can use spaghetti for a more traditional twist.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! The recipe is already vegetarian since it uses feta cheese as the main protein source.