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.
This recipe was one of my go-to dinners when hosting friends on busy weeknights: hearty enough for a crowd yet simple to prepare in one pan. Every time I make it, I remember the laughter around my table and how everyone returned for seconds.
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 or uncooked rice: 300 g pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g 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 baking dish:
- Combine cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil in a large baking dish. 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 among the tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Cook pasta or rice:
- While the feta bakes, cook the pasta or rice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Form sauce:
- Once baked, gently mash the feta with a fork and stir it into the tomatoes and chickpeas to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon the baked feta chickpea mixture over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
Save My kids love to help sprinkle the oregano and crumbled feta before we slide the dish into the oven. Their favorite part: stirring everything together to make the creamy sauce at the end.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan, colander, knife, and a chopping board are all you need for prep and cooking.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten if regular pasta is used. For gluten-free diets, simply substitute with gluten-free pasta or rice, and always check labels when using pre-packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (with pasta): Calories: 480, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 18 g.
Save Enjoy this comforting, Mediterranean-inspired meal for dinner tonight: it's quick to prep, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use vegan cheese instead of feta?
Yes, swapping feta for a vegan alternative works well, maintaining creamy texture while keeping it plant-based.
- → What pasta types pair best with this dish?
Short shapes like penne or fusilli hold the sauce well, but spaghetti or rice also complement the flavors nicely.
- → How do I make the dish spicier?
Adding crushed red pepper flakes before baking adds a pleasant heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
- → Can greens be added for extra nutrients?
Yes, fresh spinach or chopped kale can be mixed in before baking for additional color and nutrition.
- → Is it possible to prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the ingredients in the baking dish early and refrigerate, then bake just before serving for convenience.