Save Last December, I was staring at a block of feta in my fridge wondering what to do with it when my neighbor mentioned a viral pasta trend. I had fresh cranberries from the market, honey in the pantry, and suddenly the idea clicked—what if I roasted everything together? That first attempt was pure magic: the feta turned golden and buttery, the cranberries burst into tart little bombs, and somehow it all became this creamy sauce that made me forget I was eating something this simple.
I made this for a weeknight dinner when friends dropped by unexpectedly, and watching them taste it was unforgettable—their faces lit up the moment that creamy feta and cranberry sauce hit their pasta. No one believed me when I said it took ten minutes to prep, and honestly, it became the dish I'm known for now.
Ingredients
- Feta cheese: A 200g block is the star—get a good quality one because it'll soften into the most luxurious sauce when roasted.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halve them so they release their juices and add brightness to every bite.
- Fresh cranberries: Their tartness is what makes this feel seasonal and special, cutting through the richness beautifully.
- Garlic: Smash it instead of mincing so it roasts gently and perfumes everything without overpowering.
- Short pasta: Penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best because they catch and hold the creamy sauce in all their little crevices.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff—it becomes part of the sauce and makes a real difference.
- Oregano and red pepper flakes: These add warmth and complexity without needing fresh herbs at this stage.
- Honey: Just two tablespoons balances the tartness and adds a subtle sweetness that feels intentional, not cloying.
- Fresh basil: Toss it in at the end so it stays bright and aromatic, then use more for garnish.
Instructions
- Heat your oven and arrange everything:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) and nestle your feta block in the center of a baking dish like you're cradling something precious. Scatter the tomato halves, cranberries, and smashed garlic around it.
- Season and roast:
- Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then sprinkle oregano, red pepper flakes if you like heat, salt, and pepper. The smell alone will make you impatient—roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the feta's golden and the cranberries are splitting open.
- Cook your pasta:
- While everything roasts, get your pasta water boiling and cook the pasta until it's tender but still has a tiny bit of resistance. This is crucial—reserve about half a cup of that starchy water before you drain it.
- Mash everything together:
- Once the feta comes out of the oven, use a fork to gently break it apart and fold it together with the roasted tomatoes and cranberries until it becomes this creamy, textured sauce. Don't overthink it—some chunks are perfect.
- Bring it all together:
- Add your hot pasta to the baking dish along with the reserved pasta water and honey. Toss gently so the starchy water and feta cream coat every piece. Finish with fresh basil and taste as you go—you might need a tiny pinch more salt.
Save There's something about the moment when you pull that golden baking dish from the oven and the whole kitchen smells like roasted garlic and honey that reminds you why you love cooking. It's not complicated, but it feels like something special.
The Secret of Seasonal Cooking
Cranberries have this short window where they're at their peak, and instead of hiding them in sauce or baking, roasting them brings out a complexity that feels almost luxurious. The tartness softens with heat, and they become these little flavor bombs that make you notice every spoonful. When they're out of season, frozen ones work just as well—they'll burst the same way and give you that same magic.
Making It Your Own
Once you understand how the feta becomes sauce, you can play with this formula endlessly. Different tomato varieties will shift the flavor, walnuts or pecans scattered on top add crunch that transforms the texture, and if you have fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, they'll find their place roasting alongside everything else. The beauty is how forgiving it is—adjust the honey if your cranberries are particularly sharp, add more red pepper if you like heat, or dial it back if you're cooking for someone with a gentler palate.
Serving and Pairing
Serve this warm straight from the baking dish if you're keeping things casual, or transfer it to a platter and top with extra basil for something that looks intentional and beautiful. A crisp white wine cuts through the richness perfectly, but honestly, even a cold glass of something light works if that's what you have on hand.
- Fresh basil scattered on top right before serving keeps it bright and aromatic.
- If you make this ahead, reheat it gently with a splash of pasta water to bring back the creaminess.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day when all the flavors have mingled.
Save This dish taught me that sometimes the most elegant meals are the ones that ask for the least effort and the most honest ingredients. Make it once and you'll find yourself making it again and again.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and provide a pleasant texture.
- → Can dried cranberries be used instead of fresh?
Yes, dried cranberries soaked briefly in hot water can substitute fresh ones, but reduce the honey to balance sweetness.
- → How to achieve a creamy sauce consistency?
Mashing the baked feta with roasted tomatoes and cranberries, then adding reserved pasta water helps create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- → What herbs complement the dish?
Fresh basil adds brightness and pairs beautifully with the tangy feta and sweet cranberries.
- → Can nuts be added for texture?
Toasted walnuts or pecans can be mixed in before serving for added crunch and flavor depth.