Save to Pinterest A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta, hearty chickpeas, and sweet roasted tomatoes, all served over your choice of pasta or rice for an affordable, satisfying meal.
The first time I baked feta with chickpeas and tomatoes, I was amazed at how the cheese melted into a rich, tangy sauce that made even plain rice taste extraordinary. It's become a staple in my kitchen whenever I want something cozy, colorful, and simple.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: 1 block (200 g)
- Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g), drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes: 400 g, halved
- 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
- Dried pasta or uncooked rice: 300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: Optional
Instructions
- Prepare baking dish:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper then toss to coat evenly.
- Add feta:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish among the tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
- Bake:
- Bake for about 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Cook pasta or rice:
- While baking, cook pasta or rice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make sauce:
- Gently mash the feta with a fork and stir it into the tomatoes and chickpeas to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon baked feta chickpea mixture over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Save to Pinterest My family loves to gather around the table and share this hearty Mediterranean meal on busy evenings. The flavors are so comforting that everyone asks for seconds, especially when we garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan for pasta or rice, colander, knife, and chopping board are all you need to make this dish easily.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy if using traditional feta and gluten if not choosing gluten-free pasta. Always check labels for processed items.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (with pasta) has approximately 480 calories, 17 g fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Serve this Mediterranean favorite right away for the creamiest texture and brightest flavors. Leftovers are delicious cold or reheated for lunch the next day.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use vegan cheese instead of feta?
Yes, swapping feta for a vegan alternative works well to maintain creaminess and flavor while making the dish plant-based.
- → What pasta types work best with this dish?
Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are excellent choices, as their shapes hold the baked feta and chickpea sauce nicely.
- → How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta or substitute pasta with rice to keep the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the bake?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or other leafy greens can be added before baking for added nutrients and color.
- → What is the best way to garnish the dish?
Fresh chopped basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon enhance the flavors and add brightness to the dish.