Pin It A vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta, hearty chickpeas, and sweet roasted tomatoes, all served over your choice of pasta or rice for an affordable, satisfying meal.
I first made this for a relaxed weeknight supper, craving comforting flavors and minimal cleanup. The simple combination turned out so flavorful, and the whole family asked for seconds!
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
- Pasta or rice: 300 g dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g uncooked rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: optional
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Add Feta:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, nestling it among the tomatoes and chickpeas. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft.
- Cook Pasta or Rice:
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta or rice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix:
- Once baked, gently mash the feta with a fork and stir it into the tomatoes and chickpeas to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve the baked feta chickpea mixture spooned over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Pin It This baked feta chickpeas is a new favorite for our family Sunday lunches, filling the kitchen with the aroma of roasting tomatoes and garlic. Everyone gets excited for second helpings, and it is always requested for vegetarian guests!
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan (for pasta or rice), colander, knife and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (if using regular pasta). For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or rice. Always check labels if using pre-packaged ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per serving, with pasta)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 62 g, Protein: 18 g
Pin It Pair this vibrant meal with a crisp white wine or a simple green salad, and enjoy true Mediterranean comfort at home.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese is used in this dish?
Feta cheese is used, which becomes soft and creamy when baked with the tomatoes and chickpeas.
- → Can I substitute pasta with rice?
Yes, both pasta and rice are suitable bases and complement the baked feta and chickpea mixture well.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Vegan feta alternatives can be used to replace traditional feta for a plant-based version.
- → How long does it take to prepare and cook?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and baking the feta mixture requires 30 minutes, for a total of 40 minutes.
- → What herbs and spices enhance the flavor?
Dried oregano and optional crushed red pepper flakes add depth, while fresh basil or parsley provides a bright garnish.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to the bake?
Yes, adding spinach or kale to the baking dish introduces more greens and nutrients.