Name: Easy Feta Tomato Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta; 0.33333334326744 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved; salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 cups crumbled feta cheese; 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

1 (12 ounce) package penne pasta
cup extra-virgin olive oil
16 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cups crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Once the pasta is done, drain it and immediately add it to the pan with the tomatoes. Reduce the heat to low and toss everything to coat the pasta with the tomato mixture.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped basil to the skillet, stirring through until well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately, and enjoy!

Cooks Note

For best results, use real Greek feta cheese made from sheep's and goat's milk. Feta-like cheeses made from cow's milk will not melt the same way, resulting in a grainy texture.

You can enhance the flavor by adding sliced garlic or red chili flakes. If you prefer, you can swap out the basil for fresh mint or parsley.

Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Farfalle or fusilli both work well, but spaghetti is a great option too.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	Fat	Carbohydrates	Protein
696	37g	70g	23g

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Total Fat	37g	47%
Saturated Fat	14g	72%
Cholesterol	67mg	22%
Sodium	852mg	37%
Total Carbohydrate	70g	26%
Dietary Fiber	4g	15%
Total Sugars	6g	-
Protein	23g	46%
Vitamin C	22mg	25%
Calcium	397mg	31%
Iron	4mg	19%
Potassium	464mg	10%

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Comments

JustAnotherCook

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Quick and easy. I used Campari tomatoes instead of cherry, because they were available. Will definitely repeat.

Edward Flores

03/05/2024 07:09:07 PM

This recipe is pure happiness.

1010lisalynn

08/24/2024 04:46:18 AM

Italian done Quick, Easy and Comforting! My husband called this “a relaxed meal” the ingredients all came together nicely and complimented each other taste-wise. And we never met a Feta we didn’t love at first bite!! Changes made: Added ½ c chopped walnuts and a splash of heaving whipping cream and a finish dusting of crushed red pepper flakes. The walnuts made a great crunch, and the whipping cream added a soothing and comforting texture. My favorite was the fresh basil from our garden!!!

Gary C

01/17/2024 12:53:53 AM

This a perfect easy dinner taking into consideration cost, time and flavor. I thought 1/3 C of olive oil seemed like a lot but by the time everything was finished I appreciated the call for it. Delicious with a sprinkle of Flatiron dark and smoky pepper flakes.

Cheryl

02/17/2023 07:18:48 PM

If Greek Feta is too salty then try Israeli Feta, Sheep's milk cheese in brine. At Trader Joe's, next to the Greek Feta.

The Sweet Cucina

09/01/2024 12:36:01 PM

I cut this recipe in half and it still turned out great. I did add some garlic and parmesan to make it a little cheesier. Great easy weeknight dish.

MaryLou

08/21/2024 08:12:48 PM

This recipe is quick, easy and delicious! It has only a few ingredients, but a lot of flavor. It would be great in addition to your choice of protein. We loved it with shrimp. Definitely a hit with my family.

madonna

08/21/2025 11:54:54 PM

Added a bit of bousin cheese. Loved it!

Susan Smith

01/25/2025 04:16:40 PM

So easy and came out beautifully.

Marilyn

06/02/2024 05:03:54 PM

Easy and good. Do use fresh basil

OrangeBun2118

12/29/2023 05:00:27 PM

I love the recipe! It’s light and easy to make. I inly make small changes. I added crushed red pepper for a little heat and I also used gluten-free penne pasta due to allergies. Nonetheless, this recipe did not disappoint!

Auntylene

10/21/2023 01:29:03 PM

This was very good. I made as directed and will make it again.

Lena

03/17/2021 06:10:46 PM

this came out great and was super fast

Rich

02/16/2021 02:27:00 PM

I used a cavatappi pasta when I made it. It was fairly quick, really easy, and very tasty. There's more than a good chance I'll make it again; it's a great dish to make when I'm on a busy schedule and want a home cooked meal.

Diana Moutsopoulos

02/12/2021 06:00:17 PM

I first published this recipe in 2012 and it's still a family favorite over 10 years later! I don't always use basil; I often just add dried oregano. Use a good feta made from sheep milk and you can't go wrong!