Let’s start with the basics. Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta is his take on that viral TikTok feta pasta but – as you’d expect – he gives it a bit more soul. Instead of just tossing feta and tomatoes in the oven, Jamie builds flavor with herbs, garlic and some thoughtful layering.
This dish is warm, creamy and packed with roasted goodness. It’s not your average “quick pasta”. It’s got depth, texture and a surprising punch of flavor from that golden roasted feta block. The best part? It’s super simple and mostly hands-off once everything’s in the oven.
Think of it as comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. no fuss, just flavor.
Jamie Oliver Roast Feta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients Needed
Here’s what you’ll need. Nothing too fancy – just fresh, solid ingredients.
For The Pasta
- 1 block of feta cheese (around 200g)
- Cherry tomatoes – about 400g; ripe and sweet is key
- Garlic – 2 to 3 cloves, smashed
- Olive oil – extra virgin, generous drizzle
- Dried oregano or thyme. optional but adds nice depth
- Chili flakes. just a pinch for heat
- Fresh basil – for garnish and that fragrant finish
- Pasta of choice – Jamie usually goes with rigatoni or penne
Optional Additions
- Spinach or baby kale. stir in at the end for a veggie boost
- Lemon zest. to brighten the dish
- A touch of balsamic. if your tomatoes need more sweetness
Equipment Needed
You don’t need any fancy gadgets. Just the basics:
- Oven-proof baking dish – deep enough to hold everything
- Large pot – for boiling the pasta
- Colander – to drain your pasta
- Wooden spoon – to smash and stir
- Tongs or spatula – helpful when folding everything together
A good knife and chopping board for any prep.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta
Here’s where the magic happens. And don’t worry – it’s very forgiving.
Step 1: Preheat And Prep
Set your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grab your baking dish and place your block of feta right in the center.
Step 2: Add The Tomatoes And Garlic
Scatter the cherry tomatoes all around the feta. Smash a few cloves of garlic and toss those in too. skins on, even better. Drizzle the whole thing generously with olive oil. Add your oregano, chili flakes and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Roast
Pop the dish into the oven. Let it roast for 30-35 minutes or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is golden and soft. Your kitchen will smell incredible by now.
Step 4: Cook The Pasta
While that roasts, boil your pasta in salted water. Cook it till al dente. firm but not hard. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Smash And Mix
Pull the dish out of the oven. Use a wooden spoon to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together. You want a creamy, slightly chunky sauce. Add in your hot pasta and a splash of pasta water. Stir everything until it’s glossy and coated.
Step 6: Finish It Off
Tear in some fresh basil. Taste. Need more salt? A squeeze of lemon? This is the moment to tweak.
What I Learnt
Here’s where things got interesting for me.
First, roasting feta is a game changer. It mellows the saltiness and makes it creamy, almost like a warm dip. I also learned that garlic roasted in its skin becomes sweet and buttery. you can squeeze it out like paste. Magic.
Second, the quality of your tomatoes matters. If they’re a bit bland, your whole sauce falls flat. I used vine-ripened cherry tomatoes and the difference was huge.
Lastly, I realized that pasta water really is liquid gold. I used to skip that step but it makes the sauce cling to the pasta and adds a silky texture. Won’t make that mistake again.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta
Jamie’s roast feta pasta is pretty simple at its core-feta cheese, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, pasta. That simplicity is what makes it such a great canvas for a few clever twists. Want to level it up? Here’s how:
1. Swap the Cheese
Feta’s tangy and salty but it’s not the only option. Try:
- Goat cheese for a creamier, slightly sweeter sauce.
- Boursin (yes, really) for an herby, ultra-smooth finish.
- Ricotta salata if you want a firmer texture and milder bite.
2. Play With the Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are the classic choice but don’t feel stuck with them. You could:
- Use heirloom tomatoes in summer for richer, deeper flavors.
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a hit of umami and chewiness.
- Toss in a spoon of tomato paste before roasting to deepen the sauce base.
3. Add Protein
Want to make it more filling? Easy:
- Toss in chicken breast (pre-roasted or shredded rotisserie).
- Mix in crispy pancetta or chopped bacon for salt and crunch.
- Go meat-free with chickpeas or white beans. they roast up beautifully.
4. More Veg, More Fun
You can turn this into a serious veggie-packed meal:
- Spinach or kale stirred in right after roasting.
- Zucchini or eggplant, cubed and roasted alongside the tomatoes.
- Red onions or shallots for sweetness and depth.
5. Spice It Up
Jamie keeps it mellow but if you like heat:
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili before roasting.
- Stir in a spoonful of harissa or Calabrian chili paste afterward for smoky warmth.
6. Upgrade the Pasta
Yes, the pasta matters. Try:
- Orecchiette or rigatoni to catch more sauce.
- Whole wheat pasta for a nuttier bite.
- Or go gluten-free, if needed-just choose one that holds its shape well.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Now, let’s say you didn’t devour it all in one go (impressive). Here’s how to keep it tasting good for days.
1. Store It Right
- Cool it fully before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Any longer and it’ll lose that roasted flavor.
2. Freezing? Kind Of.
- You can freeze it but don’t expect perfection. Feta and roasted tomatoes don’t always thaw well.
- If you do freeze it, use freezer bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
3. Reheat Without Ruin
- Stovetop is best. Add a splash of water, milk or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave works too but stir halfway through and keep the heat low to avoid dry clumps.
4. Reinvent the Leftovers
Bored of pasta again? Try this:
- Use it as a base for a pasta bake-top with breadcrumbs and cheese, bake until golden.
- Serve it cold as a pasta salad with a bit of lemon and arugula.
- Spoon it onto grilled bread as a fancy crostini topping.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta?
It’s rich, creamy and a bit tangy. So pair it with dishes that balance or complement that.
1. Something Fresh
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts right through the richness.
- Try a cucumber-yogurt salad or simple slaw for a cool contrast.
2. Bread Is Your Friend
- Crusty sourdough or a slice of garlic ciabatta is ideal for mopping up all that cheesy tomato sauce.
- Or go Mediterranean: flatbread or warm pita works like a charm.
3. Go All-In With Sides
If you’re turning it into a full meal, think:
- Grilled vegetables – zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus.
- Lemon-roasted potatoes if you want carbs-on-carbs (no shame).
- A small bowl of marinated olives or pickled veggies for a punchy bite.
4. Something Light for Dessert
If you want to finish with a sweet:
- Think lemon sorbet, fresh berries or a honey yogurt parfait.
- Keep it bright and refreshing. nothing too heavy.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta Recipe So Popular?
The creamy feta and sweet, roasted cherry tomatoes combine for a rich, flavorful dish that’s super easy to make.
Can I Use A Different Cheese Instead Of Feta?
Yes! You can swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta, but feta gives that unique tangy flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Jamie Oliver’s Roast Feta Pasta?
It takes around 40 minutes total-20 minutes to roast the feta and tomatoes, then a few minutes to mix with the pasta.
