Who doesn’t love a creamy, tangy pasta dish that’s quick to prepare? If you’ve been on social media recently, you’ve probably seen the viral feta pasta trend. Well, I’ve put my twist on it by adding sundried tomatoes and fresh basil for a burst of flavor. It’s easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and most importantly, it’s delicious! Here’s how to make this simple yet flavorful dish that will surely become a family favorite.
Method in Detail
Prepping the Ingredients
Start by preparing the ingredients. Place a block of feta cheese and a pack of cherry tomatoes into a silicone liner or a baking dish. Drizzle a tablespoon of olive oil over the top of the feta and tomatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Sprinkle a teaspoon of oregano, along with a pinch of salt and pepper, to enhance the flavors. These simple ingredients will come together to create the base of your creamy pasta sauce.
Air Frying the Feta and Tomatoes
Once your ingredients are ready, it’s time to air fry them. Set your air fryer to 180°C and cook the feta and cherry tomatoes for 20 minutes. The heat from the air fryer will soften the feta, and the tomatoes will burst, releasing their juices and creating a flavorful sauce. You may want to check halfway through to ensure everything is cooking evenly, and the tomatoes are starting to blister.
Mashing the Feta and Tomatoes
After the air frying process, remove the feta and tomatoes from the air fryer. Take a fork or spoon and carefully mash the feta and tomatoes together. The tomatoes will be soft and mushy, while the feta will break apart into a creamy texture. Stir everything together until it forms a rich, creamy sauce. To elevate the flavor, stir in 70g of chopped sundried tomatoes, which will add a tangy depth and extra texture to the sauce.
Cooking the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are air frying, cook your pasta of choice according to the instructions on the package. Once your pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Make sure to reserve a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust the consistency of the sauce later on.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the creamy feta and tomato sauce over the cooked pasta and toss until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. This will help the sauce adhere perfectly to the pasta.
Serving and Garnishing
To finish, top the pasta with freshly chopped basil for a burst of freshness and a pop of color. The aroma of basil will add a wonderful herbaceous note that complements the creamy feta sauce. Serve immediately, and enjoy the deliciousness of this simple yet flavorful dish!
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Silicone liner or baking dish
- Chopping board
- Knife
Sundried Tomato Feta Pasta
Cuisine: FinlandDifficulty: Easy4
servings5
minutes20
minutes25
minutesIngredients
1 block of feta
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta of your choice (about 300g)
70g chopped sundried tomatoes
1 pack cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil, chopped
Directions
- Start by placing a block of feta and a packet of cherry tomatoes in a silicone liner (or baking dish). Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper. Air fry for 20 minutes at 180°C.
- Once everything is cooked, mash the feta and tomatoes together to form a creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped sundried tomatoes for added flavor.
- Cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions. Once done, combine the pasta with the sauce and top it off with some fresh, chopped basil.
Notes
- Make sure to check on the feta and tomatoes during cooking. If you prefer a more roasted flavor, you can let it cook for a few extra minutes.
- When mashing the feta and tomatoes, be careful not to over-mash, as you want to keep a bit of texture in the sauce.
- Use a sturdy silicone liner to prevent any messes during the air frying process.
Serving Suggestions
This sundried tomato feta pasta pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light salad. You can also sprinkle some extra feta or parmesan on top for added creaminess. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Fun Fact
Did you know that feta cheese is one of the oldest cheeses in the world? It’s been made for thousands of years and is a staple in Greek cuisine.
Conclusion
This Sundried Tomato Feta Pasta is the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love. The creamy sauce, paired with the tangy feta and sweet cherry tomatoes, makes for a dish that’s bursting with flavor. Give it a try and let me know how you enjoy it!
