Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cut into quarters
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 8 oz brick of feta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, place the quartered broccoli florets and drizzle with 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper. Toss well to ensure all the broccoli pieces are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
- Add Feta to Baking Dish: Make a space in the center of the seasoned broccoli and place the entire 8 oz brick of feta cheese there. Drizzle additional olive oil over the top of the feta, and season with some freshly cracked black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Bake Broccoli and Feta: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes until the broccoli is tender and the feta is golden and soft enough to become creamy.
- Cook the Pasta: While the broccoli and feta bake, cook 8 oz (about half a pound) of your chosen pasta according to package instructions. Once cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Combine Baked Feta and Broccoli: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a spoon, immediately mix and mash the baked feta and broccoli together in the baking dish, creating a creamy sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to the feta and broccoli mixture, stirring until you reach your preferred sauce creaminess.
- Add Pasta and Final Flavorings: Add the warm cooked pasta to the baking dish and stir well to combine everything evenly. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh chopped basil to brighten the flavors and give a fresh finish.
- Serve: Stir once more to ensure all ingredients are well combined, then serve immediately for a delicious, creamy baked feta and broccoli pasta dish.
Notes
- For best results, use a sturdy baking dish that can hold heat evenly.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus if preferred.
- If you like a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes before baking.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright flavor and aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
