Save to Pinterest A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring creamy baked feta combined with hearty chickpeas and sweet roasted tomatoes, all served over your choice of pasta or rice for a budget-friendly & satisfying meal.
I first made this recipe when craving something easy but impressive for dinner with friends. The oven does most of the work, and the final creamy, tangy sauce always gets rave reviews!
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: 1 block (200 g), creamy and tangy
- Chickpeas: 1 can (400 g), drained and rinsed
- Cherry tomatoes: 400 g, halved for bursty sweetness
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for depth
- Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp, for richness
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp, Mediterranean flavor
- Crushed red pepper flakes: 1/2 tsp (optional), for a hint of heat
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Dried pasta: 300 g (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 250 g uncooked rice, for serving
- Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped, to garnish
- Lemon wedges: (optional), for bright finish
Instructions
- Prep & Preheat:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Mix the base:
- In a large baking dish, toss tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper.
- Add the feta:
- Nestle block of feta in the center of the dish, drizzle surface with extra olive oil.
- Bake:
- Bake for 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft.
- Cook pasta or rice:
- While baking, cook pasta or rice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Finish the sauce:
- Gently mash feta with a fork and stir to combine with tomatoes and chickpeas, making a creamy sauce.
- Serve:
- Spoon baked feta chickpea mixture over cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon, if desired.
Save to Pinterest This recipe is a favorite for Sunday lunches with the family, when everyone can personalize their plates with pasta or rice and extra fresh herbs from the garden.
Customization Tips
Swap out feta for vegan blocks, add spinach or kale along with the chickpeas, or try whole-wheat pasta for extra fiber. It's easy to adapt for most dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Baked feta chickpeas are delicious paired with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc. Lemon wedges on the side enhance freshness, while a green salad makes a great complement.
Nutrition Information
Each serving (with pasta) provides about 480 calories, 17 g total fat, 62 g carbohydrates, and 18 g protein, making it a satisfying vegetarian main.
Save to Pinterest With just a handful of ingredients, this baked feta chickpeas recipe creates a stunning and fuss-free meal every time. Serve hot and enjoy Mediterranean comfort in your own kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rice instead of pasta with this dish?
Yes, this dish pairs well with both pasta and rice, allowing you to choose according to preference or dietary needs.
- → What type of cheese is recommended?
Feta cheese works best for its creamy texture and tangy flavor, complementing the chickpeas and tomatoes perfectly.
- → How can I add extra greens to this dish?
Adding spinach or chopped kale to the baking dish before cooking is a great way to incorporate more greens.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, substitute traditional feta with a vegan feta alternative to suit vegan diets while maintaining similar textures.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
Dried oregano in the baking process and fresh basil or parsley as garnish provide authentic Mediterranean flavor notes.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Red pepper flakes are optional and can be added to suit your preferred spice level.