Pin It A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta, hearty chickpeas, and sweet roasted tomatoes. Served over pasta or rice, this recipe offers an affordable and satisfying meal.
I first tried this recipe for a weeknight dinner when I wanted something fast but still special. The baked feta creates a creamy sauce that feels comforting and indulgent, yet comes together quickly and simply.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: 1 block (200 g)
- Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g), drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes: 400 g, halved
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp, optional
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
- Dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti): 300 g or uncooked rice 250 g
- Fresh basil or parsley: chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: optional
Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Combine Base Ingredients:
- In a large baking dish, toss cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper
- Add Feta:
- Place the feta block in the center, nestling among tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle a little more olive oil over feta
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft
- Prepare Pasta or Rice:
- While baking, cook pasta or rice per package instructions. Drain and set aside
- Make Sauce:
- Once baked, gently mash feta with a fork and stir into tomato-chickpea mixture to create a creamy sauce
- Serve:
- Spoon mix over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with basil or parsley and lemon, if desired
Pin It 
This meal instantly became a family favorite, especially for busy nights. Everyone loves piling it high over their favorite base and customizing with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan for pasta or rice, colander, knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy if using feta cheese, and gluten if using regular pasta. Always check your ingredient labels, especially if accommodating dietary needs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, with pasta)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 18 g
Pin It 
This Mediterranean dish is sure to brighten your table with color and comfort. It's a simple way to impress everyone at dinner time.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used in this dish?
Feta cheese is used, which bakes into a creamy and slightly tangy texture that complements the roasted tomatoes and chickpeas.
- → Can I use rice instead of pasta?
Yes, this dish works well served over either pasta or cooked rice according to your preference.
- → How do I add a spicy kick?
Include crushed red pepper flakes in the baking mixture to add a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- → Is it possible to make this vegan?
Swap traditional feta with a vegan feta alternative to maintain the creamy texture while keeping the dish plant-based.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
Fresh basil or parsley make excellent garnishes that brighten the dish and add a fresh herbal note.