This One Pot Creamy Feta and Tomato Pasta is an easy stovetop dinner made with rotini pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, feta cheese, chicken stock, heavy cream and fresh basil. Everything cooks together in one pot, creating a rich, creamy pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights with hardly any cleanup.

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If you’re anything like me, you love a dinner that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t leave your kitchen covered in dirty dishes. This one pot pasta has quickly become one of my family’s favorite meals because it’s simple, comforting and comes together in about 30 minutes.

As the tomatoes cook, they become sweet and juicy, creating the base of the sauce. The pasta absorbs all of that incredible flavor while simmering in the chicken stock, and once the feta and heavy cream are stirred in, everything transforms into a creamy, silky sauce that coats every bite. Finish it with fresh basil, and you’ve got an easy dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian restaurant.

If your family loves easy pasta dinners as much as mine does, be sure to check out my One Pan Garlic Pasta, One Pan Creamy Pasta Shells and One Pot Creamy Cheesy Pasta. They’re all made with simple ingredients, require minimal cleanup and are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comforting dinner on the table fast.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one pot baked feta pasta is guaranteed to become a family favorite.

• Everything cooks in one dish for incredibly easy cleanup.
• Creamy, cheesy and packed with roasted tomato flavor.
• Ready with very little hands-on prep.
• Great for busy weeknights.
• Made with simple pantry ingredients.
• Fresh basil adds the perfect finishing touch.
• Easily customize it with chicken, shrimp or vegetables.
• Makes fantastic leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient works together to create an incredibly flavorful pasta.

• Rotini pasta – The spiral shape catches all of the creamy feta sauce.
• Chicken stock – Cooks the pasta while adding incredible flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes – Roast until sweet and juicy, creating the base of the sauce.
• Block feta cheese – The star ingredient that melts into a creamy sauce.
• Garlic – Adds rich savory flavor as it roasts.
• Heavy cream – Makes the sauce silky smooth and extra creamy.
• Fresh basil – Brightens the entire dish after baking.
• Olive oil – Helps roast the tomatoes and garlic.
• Salt and black pepper – Enhances every flavor.

How to Make One Pot Creamy Feta and Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Build the pasta

In a large Dutch oven or deep skillet, add the uncooked rotini, chicken stock, cherry tomatoes and garlic. Place the block of feta on top, then pour the heavy cream around the pasta. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.

Cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking. If the liquid cooks down before the pasta is tender, simply add a splash of water or additional chicken stock as needed until the pasta is fully cooked.

Step 3: Stir everything together

Once the pasta is tender, remove the lid and stir until the feta melts completely into the sauce. The tomatoes will burst as you stir, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Finish with basil

Fold in the fresh chopped basil and serve immediately. Garnish with extra basil, freshly cracked black pepper and grated Parmesan if desired.

Leanna’s Expert Tip: Every brand of pasta absorbs liquid a little differently. If the liquid reduces before the pasta is fully cooked, simply add ¼ to ½ cup of water or chicken stock at a time, cover, and continue cooking until the pasta is perfectly al dente. This keeps the sauce creamy without becoming too thick.

Recipe Variations

One of the best things about this creamy feta pasta is how easy it is to customize. Here are some of the most popular ways to switch it up:

• Add Chicken – Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced grilled chicken before serving for an easy protein boost.
• Italian Sausage – Brown Italian sausage before starting the recipe for a hearty, flavor-packed dinner.
• Spinach Feta Pasta – Stir in a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach at the end until just wilted.
• Make It Spicy – Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey for a little heat.
• Mediterranean Style – Mix in Kalamata olives and marinated artichoke hearts for even more fresh Mediterranean flavor.

Expert Tips

A few simple tricks will help you make the creamiest pasta every single time.

• Use block feta. It melts much smoother than crumbled feta.
• Stir every few minutes while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking.
• Don’t panic if it looks watery at first. The sauce thickens as the feta melts and the pasta finishes cooking.
• Keep extra broth nearby. Different brands of pasta absorb liquid differently.
• Add basil at the end. Fresh basil loses its bright flavor if cooked too long.
• Taste before adding salt. Feta is naturally salty, so you may not need much additional seasoning.
• Serve immediately. This pasta is at its creamiest right after cooking.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Make Ahead

Prep the garlic, basil and tomatoes ahead of time so dinner comes together even faster.

Because this pasta is made in one pot, it’s best cooked fresh rather than fully assembled in advance.

Storage

Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

If the sauce has thickened, stir in a splash of chicken stock, water or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can You Freeze It?

Cream-based pasta dishes don’t always freeze well because the sauce can separate once thawed.

For the best texture, I recommend enjoying this recipe fresh or refrigerating leftovers instead.

What to Serve with Creamy Feta Tomato Pasta

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides that round out the meal without adding much extra work.

• Garlic bread
• Homemade bread dipping oil
• Caesar salad
• Italian chopped salad
• Roasted broccoli
• Roasted asparagus
• Garlic green beans
• Bruschetta
• Grilled chicken
• Lemon garlic shrimp

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While rotini is my favorite because the twists hold onto the creamy feta sauce, you can also use penne, cavatappi, fusilli or medium shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may need a few extra minutes and a splash of additional chicken stock or water.

What if my pasta isn’t fully cooked?

If the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid but still isn’t tender, simply add ¼ to ½ cup of water or chicken stock, cover the pot again and continue cooking until the pasta is al dente. Different brands and shapes of pasta can absorb liquid at different rates.

Can I add protein to this pasta?

Absolutely! This creamy feta pasta pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, Italian sausage or cooked shrimp. Stir your cooked protein into the pasta just before serving for an easy, hearty meal.

You’ll Also Love

If you loved this One Pot Creamy Feta and Tomato Pasta, here are a few more easy pasta dinners that are perfect for busy weeknights:

• Lemon Garlic Parmesan Pasta – A bright, creamy one-pot pasta made with fresh lemon, garlic and Parmesan that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
• Easy Boursin and Tomato Tortellini Bake – Creamy Boursin cheese, juicy tomatoes and cheesy tortellini come together in this cozy, family-friendly baked pasta.
• Marry Me Tortellini – A rich, creamy one-pan tortellini dinner loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and irresistible flavor.
• Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells – Jumbo pasta shells filled with a savory beef and ricotta mixture, baked in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food.