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.
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
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.
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.