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 made this recipe, I was amazed by how simple it was to combine pantry staples with fresh ingredients for a comforting meal. It's quickly become a favorite on busy weeknights because everyone can assemble it their own way.
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: 300 g (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g uncooked rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: optional, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Set your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare The Baking Dish:
- Combine halved cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, minced garlic, and olive oil in a large baking dish. Sprinkle with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together well.
- Add Feta:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestling it among the tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden and soft.
- Prepare Pasta or Rice:
- While baking, cook pasta or rice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mash and Mix:
- Take the baking dish out and gently mash the feta with a fork, stirring it into the roasted tomatoes and chickpeas to make a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon the baked feta chickpea mixture over pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon juice, if desired.
Save to Pinterest This meal has become a staple during family suppers when we want something hearty but still light. Everyone enjoys customizing their bowl with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
Required Tools
You'll need a large baking dish, saucepan for cooking pasta or rice, a colander for draining, plus a knife and a chopping board for prepping tomatoes and herbs.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten if you use regular pasta, so use rice or gluten-free pasta if required, and always check labels for packaged items.
Nutritional Information
Each serving with pasta contains approximately: Calories: 480, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 18 g.
Save to Pinterest This baked feta chickpea dish is ready in just about 40 minutes, making it the perfect crowd-pleaser for busy nights or simple entertaining.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use vegan cheese instead of feta?
Yes, substituting feta with a vegan alternative works well and maintains a creamy texture after baking.
- → What pasta types pair best with this dish?
Short shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely, but spaghetti also works well with the creamy baked mixture.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely, simply use gluten-free pasta or serve over rice to keep it gluten-free.
- → Can additional vegetables be added?
Yes, adding spinach or chopped kale to the baking dish boosts nutrition and adds green freshness.
- → How do I achieve the best flavor while baking?
Roasting cherry tomatoes with garlic and herbs until they burst enhances sweetness and depth of flavor in the sauce.