Baked Feta Pasta With Chickpeas

Cozy Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas: A Quick and Delicious One-Pan Wonder

Looking for a heartwarming meal that’s easy to whip up during a busy weeknight? This Cozy Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas is your answer! Packed with protein-rich chickpeas and creamy feta, this dish brings comfort to the dinner table in just about 30 minutes.

Imagine the aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil, mingling with the warmth of roasted feta as it melts into a rich, savory sauce for your pasta. This recipe isn’t just a delight for the taste buds; it’s a full-bodied experience perfect for family dinners or cozy nights at home.

Cozy Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

A heartwarming meal combining protein-rich chickpeas and creamy feta, perfect for busy weeknights.

• Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 head of garlic (about 12 cloves), cloves separated and thinly sliced
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed
• 12 oz. ditalini or other small pasta
• 2½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1½ tsp. Morton kosher salt
• 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated
• 14 oz. feta, cut into ½-inch thick slabs, divided
• Tender herbs (like dill, chives, and/or parsley; optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a rack in the upper third.
2. In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is softened and fragrant—about 45 seconds.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes until its color deepens to a brick red.
4. Add the rinsed chickpeas, pasta, kosher salt, and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, stirring often, and cook until the pasta is nearly al dente—about 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan and crumble in half of the feta. Mix well to combine.
6. Remove from heat, and arrange the remaining feta on top in an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce looks thicker.
7. Turn on the broiler and broil the pasta just until the feta is browned and slightly charred, about 3 minutes.
8. Serve with a sprinkle of tender herbs and lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze!

Notes

Best enjoyed right out of the oven, ideally with a side salad or crusty bread. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas

Baked Feta Pasta has taken the internet by storm for good reason. It’s wonderfully simple to prepare, and the flavors come together beautifully with minimal fuss. By combining pantry staples like chickpeas and tomatoes with luscious feta, even the pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a vegetarian dish that feels hearty and satisfying.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas

Let’s get started on this dish that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 head of garlic (about 12 cloves), cloves separated and thinly sliced
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (6-oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 (15-oz.) can chickpeas, rinsed
• 12 oz. ditalini or other small pasta
• 2½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1½ tsp. Morton kosher salt
• 2 oz. Parmesan, finely grated
• 14 oz. feta, cut into ½”-thick slabs, divided
• Tender herbs (like dill, chives, and/or parsley; optional)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F and place a rack in the upper third.
2. In a large ovenproof skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking until the garlic is softened and fragrant , about 45 seconds.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 2 minutes until its color deepens to a brick red.
4. Add the rinsed chickpeas, pasta, kosher salt, and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, stirring often, and cook until the pasta is nearly al dente , this will be about 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan and crumble in half of the feta. Mix well to combine.
6. Remove from the heat, and arrange the remaining feta on top in an even layer. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce looks thicker but still saucy.
7. Turn on the broiler and watch closely as you broil the pasta just until the feta is browned and slightly charred, about 3 minutes.
8. Serve with a sprinkle of tender herbs and lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Feta Pasta

This dish is best enjoyed right out of the oven, ideally with a side salad or crusty bread for sopping up that delicious sauce. Don’t forget the lemon wedges , they add a refreshing zing that brightens the entire dish!

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to ensure it stays moist.

Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Pasta

1. Adjust the heat: If you’re serving little ones, you can leave out the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
2. Pasta choice: Ditalini works wonderfully, but any small pasta shape like orzo or shells will do.
3. Herb power: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can add an extra layer of flavor. Toss them in right before serving.

Variations to Try

Feel free to swap the chickpeas for any protein you like—grilled chicken or shrimp would be delicious. You can also add some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrition and color. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability!

FAQs About Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce in advance. Just bake it right before serving!

What if I can’t find feta?
Cream cheese or goat cheese in a pinch can create a similar creamy consistency, but feta is truly where the magic lies.

Can I freeze baked feta pasta?
I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture. But if you must freeze it, allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Just be aware that the texture may change a bit upon reheating.

This Cozy Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas is a delightful recipe that welcomes you into its warm embrace, perfect for making memories around the dinner table. Enjoy!