Save 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.
When I first made this dish on a busy weeknight, I was amazed by how hands-off and flavorful it turned out. My family loved being able to choose between pasta or rice for the base, making it a crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.
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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
- Pasta or rice: 300 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g uncooked rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: optional
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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 black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add feta:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, nestling it among the tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft.
- Cook pasta or rice:
- Meanwhile, cook pasta or rice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Create sauce:
- Once baked, gently mash feta with fork and stir it into tomatoes and chickpeas to create creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon baked feta chickpea mixture over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Save This recipe quickly became a weeknight favorite in my house. Even my picky eater asks for seconds when the kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of roasting feta and tomatoes.
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Variations
Try swapping feta with vegan feta to make the dish fully plant-based, or add spinach or chopped kale to the baking dish for extra greens. Whole-wheat pasta or brown rice bring more fiber and a wonderful nutty flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp salad or steamed veggies on the side for a hearty, balanced meal. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the savory, tangy flavors beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Each serving with pasta provides approximately 480 kcal, 17 g fat, 62 g carbs, and 18 g protein, making this a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.
Save
Enjoy this colorful dish fresh from the oven—it reheats beautifully for easy lunches the next day.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of cheese is used?
Baked feta cheese is used for its creamy texture and tangy flavor that complements the roasted tomatoes and chickpeas.
- → Can I use rice instead of pasta?
Yes, the dish pairs equally well with cooked rice, offering a versatile base to soak up the creamy tomato and feta mixture.
- → How long does the baking take?
The baking process typically takes about 30 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to burst and the feta to soften and golden.
- → Are there options for adding greens?
Spinach or chopped kale can be incorporated into the baking dish to add extra nutrients and color to the meal.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegans?
Swapping traditional feta with vegan feta alternatives makes this dish suitable for a vegan diet.
- → What herbs are recommended for garnish?
Fresh basil or parsley adds a fragrant, bright finish when sprinkled on top before serving.