Baked Feta & Broccoli Pasta
This dish combines roasted broccoli, baked feta, garlic, olive oil, and pasta for a creamy, salty, delicious meal. Everything cooks in one pan, then you mix it all together — super easy!
⏱️ Time Required
Prep: 10 minutes
Bake: 25–30 minutes
Mix & Serve: 5 minutes
Total: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Bake
250g pasta (penne, fusilli, shells, rigatoni)
1 block feta cheese (200g)
2–3 cups broccoli florets
3–4 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
1 small onion, sliced (optional)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp oregano
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt, to taste (go light — feta is salty)
Add After Baking
½ cup pasta water (reserved)
Zest of 1 lemon
Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.
2. Reserve ½ cup pasta water → drain pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish
1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Place the feta block in the center of a baking dish.
3. Add broccoli, garlic, and onion around the feta.
4. Drizzle olive oil over everything.
5. Add oregano, black pepper, and chili flakes (optional).
6. Toss broccoli lightly so it’s coated in oil.
3. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes until:
feta is soft and lightly golden
broccoli has roasted edges
4. Mix Everything
Once baked:
1. Mash the feta with a spoon.
2. Add the cooked pasta.
3. Pour in a little pasta water to create a creamy sauce.
4. Add lemon zest.
5. Mix until everything is well coated.
5. Serve
Top with:
- extra black pepper
- basil / parsley
- drizzle of olive oil
- extra lemon zest (for freshness)
Tips
Add cherry tomatoes to bake for extra juiciness.
Add spinach at the end — wilts beautifully in the heat.
For extra protein: add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
For extra creaminess: stir in 2 tbsp ricotta or cream cheese.
Notes
Don’t oversalt — feta gives enough saltiness.
Pasta water is key for the creamy feta sauce.
If broccoli is large, cut into small bite-size pieces so it roasts faster.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes — roast directly; no need to thaw.
Can I make it spicy?
Add 1 tsp chili flakes or a spoon of chili paste before baking.
What if I don’t have feta?
Use ricotta, goat cheese, or cream cheese, but feta gives the best flavor.
Nutrition information
Calories: 420–480kacl
Protein: 16–20g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 14–18g
Fiber: 5–7g