Jamie Oliver Roast Feta Pasta Recipe

I’ll never forget the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta. It was a cold Saturday afternoon, and I was scrolling through Instagram looking for something quick yet flavorful. I saw a clip of him tossing a block of feta into a roasting pan, surrounded by tomatoes and olive oil, before popping it into the oven. It looked ridiculously simple but delicious. I figured, why not give it a shot?

To my surprise, it came together in just under 30 minutes. The feta softened into a creamy dream, the tomatoes burst with flavor, and it all mixed into a comforting pasta dish. Ever since, this recipe has become a staple in my weeknight cooking routine. It’s easy, affordable, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Now let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible!

Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta Recipe

Jamie’s Roast Feta Pasta is as much about ease as it is about flavor. The basic concept is to roast feta with cherry tomatoes and garlic, then mix it all with pasta. While it might seem like a simple dish, the combination of textures and flavors creates something unexpectedly gourmet.

I remember the first time I served it to friends. They couldn’t believe how such basic ingredients could turn into something so rich and complex. Every bite was a balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet with a little bit of umami.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to pull this off:

• Block of feta cheese (about 200-250g)

  The star of the dish. It softens and melts as it roasts, creating a creamy texture that blends beautifully with the other ingredients.

• Cherry tomatoes (2 pints)

  Sweet, juicy, and perfect for roasting. They burst open in the oven, releasing their juices to create a sauce.

• Garlic cloves (3-4, whole)

  Roasting garlic transforms its flavor, making it mellow and rich without being overpowering.

• Olive oil (about 3 tbsp)

  Helps roast the tomatoes and feta while contributing a smooth, fruity flavor.

• Pasta (any shape you like)

  Penne or spaghetti works best, but feel free to experiment with whatever you have.

• Fresh herbs (optional, like basil or thyme)

  A sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the dish with a burst of freshness.

• Chili flakes or fresh chili (optional)

  A little heat brings balance to the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes.

• Salt and pepper to taste

  Classic seasonings to tie everything together.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta

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

   I love how simple this step is. You don’t need to wait long for the oven to heat up, making it perfect when you’re hungry and don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.

2. Assemble the ingredients in a roasting pan.

   Place the feta in the center of the pan. Surround it with the cherry tomatoes and garlic cloves. Drizzle everything with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if you like a bit of heat.

3. Roast for 25-30 minutes.

   This step is magical. Watch as the feta softens and turns golden around the edges. The tomatoes will start to burst, and the garlic will become fragrant.

4. Cook the pasta.

   While everything is roasting, boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente.

5. Mix it all together.

   Once the feta and tomatoes are roasted, use a spoon to mash everything together in the pan. Add your cooked pasta and toss everything until it’s well-coated.

6. Finish with fresh herbs.

   This step isn’t strictly necessary, but I love it. A handful of basil or thyme adds a fresh, aromatic note that balances the richness of the cheese and tomatoes.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

This dish is a perfect example of how heat can transform ingredients. Let’s break down the science behind it:

• Feta Cheese

  Feta is a brined cheese, which means it retains moisture even when cooked. When roasted, it softens into a creamy texture, becoming spreadable and rich in flavor. The saltiness of feta intensifies as it cooks, which is why it balances perfectly with the sweet tomatoes.

• Tomatoes

  Roasting tomatoes intensifies their natural sugars. As they break down, the sweetness amplifies, turning them into a natural sauce. The skins will split and caramelize, releasing concentrated flavors that mix with the olive oil and garlic.

• Garlic

  Roasting garlic causes the cloves to mellow out, releasing a more subtle, nutty flavor compared to raw garlic. It blends seamlessly into the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes, adding depth without overpowering the dish.

Expert Tips

• Use a block of feta, not crumbled.

  Crumbled feta doesn’t have the same creamy texture when roasted. A whole block allows the cheese to melt into a rich sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Adjust the oven temperature based on your feta.

  Some blocks of feta are more crumbly than others. If you find that yours isn’t melting as smoothly, you can increase the temperature by 10-15 degrees to help it soften more.

• Go heavy on the olive oil.

  It might seem like a lot, but the oil helps roast the ingredients and forms the base of the sauce. You’ll be surprised at how much flavor it adds.

• Reserve some pasta water.

  Before draining your pasta, scoop out a cup of pasta water. If the sauce feels too thick, add some pasta water to loosen it up.

Recipe Variations

• Vegan Version

  Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese, or try roasting tofu with the tomatoes and olive oil for a different but satisfying texture.

• Add Veggies

  Feel free to throw in other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. They roast well with the tomatoes and can bring new flavors into the dish.

• Pasta Alternatives

  If you’re not a fan of regular pasta, you can use gluten-free pasta, zucchini noodles, or even spiralized sweet potatoes for a lighter option.

• Protein Add-ins

  Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be added to turn this into a more substantial meal.

Final Words

Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta has won over so many people for good reason. It’s comfort food with minimal effort and maximum flavor. There’s something so satisfying about how simple ingredients come together to create something so rich and hearty. It’s the kind of dish you can make on a weeknight but still impress with its depth of flavor.

FAQs

How Long Should I Roast The Feta For?

You should roast the feta for about 20 minutes until it becomes golden and soft.

Can I Use Any Pasta For This Recipe?

Yes, any type of pasta works, but short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce best.

What Can I Add To The Recipe To Make It Spicier?

You can add some red chili flakes or a chopped fresh chili to the dish before roasting the feta.