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Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas

This Baked Feta Pasta with Chickpeas is a creamy, flavorful pasta dinner made with roasted tomatoes, a melty block of feta, garlic, olive oil, and protein-packed chickpeas. It’s an easy one-pan meal inspired by the viral baked feta trend—made heartier, richer, and more satisfying. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, vegetarian meals, and comforting pasta bake cravings.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta
  • 8 oz pasta rigatoni, penne, or fusilli
  • 1 block 8 oz feta cheese
  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • Zest of 1 lemon optional but recommended
  • Fresh basil chopped (for serving)
  • Optional for a Pasta Bake
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
  • 1/4 cup cream for extra richness

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Baking Dish
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Place the block of feta in the center of a baking dish.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Chickpeas
  5. Scatter the cherry tomatoes and chickpeas around the feta block.
  6. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil.
  7. Season
  8. Sprinkle garlic, oregano, pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and lemon zest over the top.
  9. Bake
  10. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft and golden on the edges.
  11. Cook the Pasta
  12. While the feta mixture bakes, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente.
  13. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  14. Make the Sauce
  15. Remove the baking dish from the oven.
  16. Use a fork to mash and stir the feta, tomatoes, and chickpeas into a creamy sauce.
  17. Combine Pasta and Sauce
  18. Add the cooked pasta to the dish.
  19. Toss well until the pasta is fully coated.
  20. Add a splash of pasta water if you want it creamier.
  21. Optional Pasta Bake Step
  22. For a cheesy casserole finish:
  23. Add mozzarella or parmesan on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
  24. Serve
  25. Garnish with fresh basil and more lemon zest if desired.

Notes

Block feta melts better than crumbled feta.
Frozen tomatoes or canned cherry tomatoes work in emergencies.
Add spinach or arugula for extra greens.
Add grilled chicken on top if you want a hybrid between vegetarian and chicken pasta bake.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat with a splash of water or olive oil to restore creaminess.