There is something mighty comforting about a pan of baked pasta that comes together with just a handful of pantry staples, and this creamy Greek feta penne is the sort of dish folks remember after the plates are cleared. It has that clever baked-feta charm so many home cooks fell in love with, but with the sturdy heartiness of penne and the bright, sunny flavor of tomatoes. When summer gardens are full and supper needs to be easy, this is the kind of simple oven meal that feels both modern and familiar.
Serve this penne with a crisp green salad, buttered garlic bread, or a side of roasted vegetables if you want to stretch it into a fuller meal. It also sits nicely beside grilled chicken, lemony shrimp, or even a platter of burgers at a backyard gathering, since the creamy pasta brings a cool contrast to smoky foods hot off the grill.
Oven Baked 4-Ingredients Creamy Greek Feta Penne
Servings: 6
Ingredients
12 ounces penne pasta
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
8 ounces block feta cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
Directions
1. Heat your oven to 400°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just shy of al dente, then drain it well.
2. In an oval baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and place the block of feta right in the center. Pour the heavy cream around the feta and tomatoes.
3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have softened and burst and the feta is warm and tender.
4. Stir the baked feta, tomatoes, and cream together until a creamy sauce forms. Fold in the drained penne and mix until every piece is coated.
5. Return the dish to the oven for 5 to 10 minutes, just until everything is heated through and creamy. Serve warm.
Variations & Tips
Add a little garlic: If you do not mind stepping past the four-ingredient line, a few smashed garlic cloves baked alongside the tomatoes make the sauce deeper and sweeter.
Use a shorter bake for softer pasta: Be careful not to overcook the penne in the boiling water, since it goes back into the oven at the end. Keeping it a touch firm at first helps it finish just right.
Try a heartier version: Stir in cooked spinach, shredded rotisserie chicken, or browned sausage after mixing the sauce if you want to make this more of a main dish.
Choose good feta: A block of feta works much better than crumbles here, because it melts into the cream more smoothly and gives you those lovely soft bites throughout the dish.