If you’re looking for an easy, tasty pasta that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, this one’s for you! I first saw the viral feta pasta trend online and decided to give it a twist with sweet sun-dried tomatoes. The result? A creamy, rich, and super flavorful dish that looks like you worked way harder than you actually did.
The best part? You can make it all in the air fryer! With the help of a silicone liner, clean-up is a breeze. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family, and the leftovers are even better the next day (if there are any!).
Method in detail
1. Prep the Air Fryer Base
To start, grab your air fryer and place a silicone liner inside the basket. This step is super helpful for keeping your air fryer clean and makes transferring the sauce easier later. Once the liner is in, place a full block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with a pack of cherry tomatoes, making sure they’re evenly spread out so they cook properly.
2. Season and Drizzle
Now, it’s time to add flavor! Drizzle the feta and cherry tomatoes with about 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Then sprinkle over 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, followed by a few pinches of salt and pepper to taste. The olive oil helps everything cook and blend smoothly, while the herbs and seasoning give the sauce that irresistible Mediterranean kick.
3. Air Fry Until Roasted and Golden
Set your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) and cook everything for 20 minutes. During this time, the cherry tomatoes will soften and start to burst, releasing their juices. The feta cheese will become warm, soft, and golden on top. The mixture should look slightly caramelized and creamy when it’s done perfect for sauce-making.
4. Make the Sauce
After 20 minutes, carefully remove the air fryer basket. Use a spoon or fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together right in the liner. Stir it gently but thoroughly until it becomes a creamy, blended sauce. It’s okay if some tomato skins stay whole, they’ll add texture. This is the heart of the dish, so take your time blending until it looks rich and smooth.
5. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
With your base sauce ready, now stir in 70 grams of chopped sun-dried tomatoes. These bring in a tangy, slightly chewy texture that deepens the flavor of the sauce. They don’t need to cook, just mix them in while the sauce is still hot, and they’ll warm up beautifully.
6. Cook the Pasta
While the air fryer is doing its thing or just after, boil your favorite pasta. Use a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package directions. I recommend going for al dente, which means the pasta is cooked but still has a little bite. Once it’s done, drain it using a strainer, making sure to save a splash of pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
7. Mix Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot or transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour the warm tomato-feta-sun-dried tomato sauce over it. Stir everything together until each piece of pasta is coated in that creamy, tangy sauce. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, you can add a tablespoon or two of the saved pasta water to help thin it out.
8. Top with Fresh Basil and Serve
Finally, chop a handful of fresh basil and sprinkle it over the top for color and flavor. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fragrant. The fresh basil adds a fresh and herby finish to every bite.
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Silicone liner (optional but highly recommended!)
- Mixing spoon
- Pot (for boiling pasta)
- Strainer
Sun Dried Tomato and Feta Pasta
Cuisine: FinlandDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes20
minutes25
minutesIngredients
1 block of feta cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper (to taste)
70g chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1 pack of cherry tomatoes
Pasta of your choice (enough for 4 servings)
A handful of fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- First, place a silicone liner into your air fryer basket. Add one block of feta cheese and a full pack of cherry tomatoes right into the liner.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle oregano, and season with salt and pepper.
- Air fry it all together at 180°C (356°F) for 20 minutes. The tomatoes will get soft and bursty, and the feta will be golden on top.
- Once it’s done, use a spoon or fork to mush everything into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that takes the sauce to the next level.
- Boil your favorite pasta, then drain it and toss it with the creamy tomato-feta sauce.
- Top with chopped fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t skip the silicone liner; it makes cleanup much easier and stops cheese from sticking to the air fryer.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. Let the feta and tomatoes sit in a single layer for even cooking.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. You want it al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Stir the sauce while it’s still warm so the flavors blend smoothly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm garlic bread on the side.
- A simple green salad adds a refreshing crunch.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas.
- Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Fun Fact
Did you know sun-dried tomatoes used to be dried on rooftops in the Mediterranean sun? That’s how they got their sweet and rich flavor. It’s like sunshine in every bite!
Conclusion
This sun dried tomato and feta pasta is creamy, tangy, and full of flavor with hardly any work. It’s one of those dishes that makes you look like a pro without even trying. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, and the ingredients bring all the comfort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just for yourself, this one’s a keeper!
