Baked Feta Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 8 oz Uncooked pasta (such as macaroni or cavatappi)
• 7 oz Feta cheese (one block)
• 2 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 0.25 cup Olive oil
• 3 Garlic (cloves, minced)
• 2 cup Water (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cup Fresh spinach (packed)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. 2

   In a large 9x13 inch baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center.

3. 3

   Add the uncooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic around the feta block.

4. 4

   Drizzle the olive oil over everything and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

5. 5

   Pour the water (or vegetable broth) into the dish, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.

6. 6

   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam, which will cook the pasta.

7. 7

   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the tomatoes have burst.

8. 8

   Remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil.

9. 9

   Add the fresh spinach to the hot dish; the residual heat will wilt it as you stir.

10. 10

    Stir everything together vigorously until the feta becomes creamy and forms a smooth sauce that coats the pasta and spinach.

11. 11

    Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For a richer sauce, you can substitute half a cup of the water with heavy cream. If the pasta seems too dry after baking, add a splash of hot water before stirring.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• pasta
• vegetarian
• baked
• easy
• dinner