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Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe

Baked Feta and Broccoli Pasta Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 11 reviews

A comforting and simple baked feta and broccoli pasta that combines creamy melted feta cheese with tender roasted broccoli and al dente pasta. This easy one-pan dish bakes in the oven, creating a rich, tangy sauce with fresh lemon zest and basil that makes weeknight dinners feel special and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Roasted Broccoli and Feta:

  • 4 cups small broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 oz block feta cheese

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli recommended)

For Serving:

  • 2 tbsp grated lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Roast the Broccoli and Feta: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Quarter the broccoli florets and arrange them in a baking dish. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Create a space in the center of the broccoli and place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle a little more olive oil and freshly ground black pepper over the top of the feta. Roast in the oven for 35 minutes until the broccoli is browned and the feta is softened and golden.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the broccoli and feta roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. Combine and Finish the Dish: Remove the feta and broccoli from the oven and immediately stir them together in the baking dish to combine. Gradually pour in some reserved pasta water until the mixture becomes creamy. Add the warm pasta to the dish and stir well to coat everything with the feta sauce. Finally, stir in the grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and chopped fresh basil. Give everything a final mix and serve immediately, enjoying the fresh brightness the basil adds to the dish.

Notes

  • Use a block of feta cheese, not pre-crumbled, for the best creamy melting effect.
  • Add broccoli florets midway through cooking to keep them crisp and bright green.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help bind the ingredients.
  • Add lemon juice and fresh basil at the end to avoid bitterness and discoloration.
  • Substitutions: Use goat cheese or ricotta for feta; cauliflower, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts can replace broccoli; fresh oregano or parsley can replace basil.
  • Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad, and optional grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container with a splash of olive oil in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked feta pasta, broccoli pasta, easy dinner recipe, vegetarian pasta, roasted feta, weeknight dinner, creamy feta sauce

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/baked-feta-and-broccoli-pasta-recipe/