Best Pasta Pesto And Feta Toss Recipes

PESTO PASTA TOSS

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package; drain.
• Toss with remaining ingredients.

PESTO PASTA RECIPE WITH TOMATOES AND MOZZARELLA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 450 degrees F and arrange a rack in the middle.
• In a larger bowl, toss the tomatoes with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Transfer to a sheet-pan and bake in heated oven 25 to 35 minutes or just until the tomatoes collapse and develop some char (if you don't want them too soft, take the tomatoes out earlier). When ready, remove from the oven. (See notes)
• While the tomatoes are roasting, cook the spaghetti in boiling water according to the package to al dente (about 10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta.
• Transfer the cooked spaghetti to a large bowl (same bowl used earlier for the tomatoes). Add the pesto and toss to coat. If you need to, add a little bit of the pasta cooking water to help mix it evenly. Taste, and if needed, add a bit of kosher salt and black pepper to season.
• Add the roasted tomatoes and mozzarella to the bowl of pasta. Toss to combine. Serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil, if you like.

BAKED FETA PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the cherry tomatoes and olive oil with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Transfer to a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish, place the feta in the center of the tomatoes and season with a pinch of black pepper. Bake until the tomatoes have burst and the feta has softened, about 30 minutes. Raise the heat to 450 degrees F and continue to cook until the tomatoes and feta are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 13 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then thoroughly drain the pasta.
• As soon as the tomatoes and feta come out of the oven, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Use the back of a spoon to smash the tomatoes and feta into a smooth and creamy sauce (it's okay if some of the oil isn't fully integrated). Add the pasta and half the basil and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some pasta water a couple tablespoons at a time. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve topped with the remaining basil and a pinch of sea salt.

PASTA, PESTO AND FETA TOSS

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed and drain.
• Toss remaining ingredients with hot pasta.
• Can be made ahead and enjoyed cold.
• Prepare as directed, cover, refrigerate until serving.

BAKED FETA PASTA

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Toss the tomatoes, oil, chilli flakes and garlic together in a medium baking dish. Roast for 15 mins, then nestle the block of feta into the middle of the dish. Season everything well and bake for a further 20-25 mins, or until the feta is turning golden and the tomatoes have softened and turned jammy.
• Cook the pasta following pack instructions, then drain, reserving a mugful of the cooking water. Remove and discard the garlic cloves from the baked feta, then break up the cheese using a fork. Tip the pasta into the dish along with a splash of the reserved cooking water, and gently toss to combine with the cheese and tomatoes - the pasta should be well-coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Add another splash of the cooking water to loosen, if needed. Season well with black pepper, then scatter over the basil to serve.