Save 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 tried this when searching for a simple weeknight dinner that felt comforting but still bright and flavorful. It quickly became a go-to for busy evenings, and my family always looks forward to seeing the golden feta emerge from the oven.
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 or 250 g uncooked rice
- Fresh basil or parsley: chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges: for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prep bake ingredients:
- In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil. Sprinkle with oregano, crushed 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.
- Make sauce:
- Once baked, gently mash the feta with a fork and stir it into the tomatoes and chickpeas to create a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon the baked feta chickpea mixture over the cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Save My kids love mixing everything together in their bowls and creating their own vibrant plates. Sharing this dish around the table always leads to big smiles and plenty of seconds.
Required Tools
Large baking dish, saucepan, colander, knife, and chopping board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (if using regular pasta). 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
Save Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired meal with a crisp white wine and great company. It's a truly fuss-free way to elevate your weeknight dinner routine.
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, firm cheeses like halloumi or a vegan feta alternative work well for baking and maintaining texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or serve the baked mixture over rice for a gluten-free option.
- → What herbs complement this Mediterranean dish?
Fresh basil, parsley, or oregano enhance the flavors and provide aromatic freshness when used as garnish or in the baking mix.
- → Can additional vegetables be added to the bake?
Yes, leafy greens like spinach or kale can be included for added nutrition and texture.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
Control the heat by adding or omitting crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste preference.