Harissa Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on a viral classic, this Harissa Baked Feta Pasta is about to become your new go-to weeknight miracle! Creamy, tangy feta gets cozied up with sweet roasted peppers, spicy harissa, and tender pasta for a truly craveable one-dish wonder that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Harissa Baked Feta Pasta brings its own irresistible charm, turning a simple pasta night into a Middle Eastern-inspired treat. Let’s break down why you need each one, and how they shine in this recipe:

• Pasta (8 oz, I used Ditali): Choose your favorite shape—short pasta like ditali, rigatoni, or penne really lets the sauce cling to every bite!
• Block Feta Cheese (8 oz): The star of the show! Using a whole block (not crumbles) is key for ultimate creaminess and tang when baked.
• Red Bell Pepper (1): Chopped into chunks, it roasts beautifully, offering sweetness and pops of juicy color.
• Red Onion (1/2): Diced onion mellows as it bakes, adding subtle sweetness and a lovely hue.
• Garlic Cloves (4, sliced): Slicing the cloves infuses the whole dish with aromatic, mellow garlic flavor—don’t skip it!
• Spinach (1 cup, chopped): Tossed in at the end for a burst of vibrant green and a healthy boost.
• Harissa (1 tbsp): The magic ingredient! Harissa brings gentle heat, smokiness, and a hint of cumin and chili that transforms the sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper (1/2 tsp each): For perfect, balanced seasoning throughout.
• Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp): A little extra kick for spice fans!
• Italian Seasoning (1/4 tsp): Just a sprinkle on the feta for a herbal, savory touch.
• Olive Oil: Roasts and softens all the veggies and feta to golden, flavor-packed perfection. Be generous!
• Reserved Pasta Water (1/4 cup): The secret to a lush and glossy sauce—it helps the feta and veggies cling to every noodle.

Variations

The magic of Harissa Baked Feta Pasta is how friendly it is to swaps and tweaks—feel free to make it your own! The core flavors shine through, but it’s effortless to adapt for what you have on hand or dietary preferences.

• Make It Gluten-Free: Just sub your favorite gluten-free pasta and prepare as usual—same creamy, dreamy results.
• Add More Veggies: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or eggplant roast beautifully and add even more color and nutrients.
• Try Another Green: Swap spinach for chopped kale or arugula for a peppery bite at the finish.
• Adjust the Heat: Use a mild harissa or skip the extra red pepper flakes for a gentler kick—or go bold with more for spice lovers!
• Make It Vegan: Substitute your favorite plant-based feta for a delicious dairy-free version—still tangy and satisfying.

How to Make Harissa Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Roast the Veggies

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Chop the red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces and dice your red onion. Pile them into a large baking dish along with the sliced garlic. Spoon in the harissa, sprinkle on salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, and drizzle generously with olive oil. Toss everything together—your kitchen will already smell incredible!

Step 2: Add Feta and Seasoning

Place the block of feta right in the center of your veggie mixture (don’t worry about submerging it). Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and give it an extra swirl of olive oil over the top. This helps the feta brown and turn delightfully creamy.

Step 3: Bake Until Softened and Melty

Bake the entire dish uncovered for 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the feta is golden on the edges and the veggies are silky soft. The harissa will perfume the whole dish with rich, smoky spice.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the veggies roast, cook your pasta in well-salted water according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s the magic ingredient for a glossy sauce! Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Mash, Mix, and Combine

Remove the baking dish from the oven. With a fork or spatula, gently mash the soft feta and mix it with all those roasted veggies to create a creamy, chunky sauce. Stir in the chopped spinach so it wilts from the heat, pour in the reserved pasta water, and finally add your cooked pasta. Toss everything together until every bite is coated in glorious, spicy feta goodness!

How to Serve Harissa Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

Finish your Harissa Baked Feta Pasta with a handful of chopped fresh herbs—think parsley, basil, or mint to brighten everything up. A little zest of lemon or a sprinkle of extra chili flakes also wakes up the flavors and makes it restaurant-worthy!

Side Dishes

This pasta is hearty enough to be the main event, but you can keep things light with a crisp cucumber-tomato salad or serve it alongside warm, fluffy naan or crusty bread for scooping up every bit of that sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect balance to the creamy spicy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Harissa Baked Feta Pasta family-style straight from the baking dish for a rustic, communal feel, or spoon it into shallow bowls and swirl each portion into a “nest” with extra roasted veggies on top. For a show-stopping dinner, add grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas and finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of za’atar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Harissa Baked Feta Pasta will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors meld and deepen, so it’s just as delicious for lunch the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to two months. Be sure to cool the pasta completely before packing it into freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best creamy texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too—just stir halfway through so everything heats evenly without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to welcome a bowl of Harissa Baked Feta Pasta to your table—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to bring color, spice, and joy to your meal. Try it once, and I have a hunch you’ll be hooked!

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