Baked Feta Pasta | TikTok Pasta Recipe

Our Baked Feta Pasta recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This trending dish has taken the food world by storm, and once you taste it, you'll understand why. With a perfect blend of creamy feta cheese, sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and al dente pasta, it's a cozy comfort food that's perfect for family dinners, date nights, or a simple weeknight treat.

Why You'll Love This Easy Meal

• Effortless Preparation. If you're looking for a dish that practically cooks itself, this is it. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, you'll have a satisfying pasta meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Creamy and Flavorful. The creamy texture of baked feta combined with roasted cherry tomatoes and aromatic herbs creates a luscious sauce that coats every pasta strand, making each bite a burst of flavor.
• Versatile. While our recipe is a classic rendition, you can easily customize it with additional ingredients like olives, spinach, or artichoke hearts for your own unique twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters, kids, or adults, this pasta dish has a universal appeal. It's a delightful option for both family dinners and entertaining guests.

This Baked Feta Pasta is a quick and delightful dish that's perfect for satisfying your pasta cravings. With minimal prep and a burst of Mediterranean flavors, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How Did This Pasta Get So Popular?

Baked feta pasta became widely popular primarily through social media, particularly on the platform TikTok. Here's how it gained fame:

• Social Media Virality. A Finnish food blogger named Jenni Häyrinen is often credited with the creation of this dish. She posted the recipe on her blog in 2019. However, it gained global recognition in 2020 when TikTok users discovered the recipe. Short video clips showing the step-by-step process of making baked feta pasta went viral, mainly due to its simplicity and visually appealing results.
• Ease of Preparation. One of the key factors behind the dish's popularity is its ease of preparation. The one-pan recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients. TikTok videos highlighted how quickly it could be put together, making it accessible to a wide range of home cooks, including those with limited cooking experience.
• Visual Appeal. The dish is visually striking, with vibrant roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and fresh herbs. The colorful ingredients and the moment when the feta cheese transforms into a creamy sauce during baking are visually captivating, making it perfect for social media platforms where eye-catching visuals are key.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Cherry Tomatoes- The cherry tomatoes are the primary source of flavor and texture in this dish. They are roasted in the oven, where they burst, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a rich, tomatoey sauce for the pasta.
• Feta Cheese Block- The feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty, tangy flavor to the dish. It becomes soft and melty during baking, blending with the roasted tomatoes to form a luscious sauce that coats the pasta.
• Pasta- The pasta serves as the carbohydrate base of the dish. Penne or other pasta varieties work well to hold the sauce.
• Garlic- Minced garlic infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic flavor. It's combined with the cherry tomatoes and roasted to mellow its intensity while adding depth to the sauce.
• Olive Oil- Olive oil is used to coat the cherry tomatoes and garlic before baking, ensuring they roast evenly and develop rich flavors. It also contributes to the overall creamy texture of the sauce.
• Dried Oregano Dried oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that imparts a savory, earthy flavor to the dish.
• Dried Basil- Dried basil adds a sweet, herbal note to the dish, enhancing its overall Mediterranean profile. It pairs well with the other herbs and ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes- Red pepper flakes provide a hint of spiciness and heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
• Fresh Basil Leaves- Fresh basil leaves are used as a garnish to add a burst of herbal freshness and a touch of color to the finished dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper- They enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced and tasty result.

These ingredients come together to create a simple yet flavorful baked feta pasta that's become a beloved classic in many kitchens.

How To Make Baked Feta Pasta

1. Preheat and Prep. Preheat your oven to 400F. In an oven-safe dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle half of the olive oil over the mixture and toss it all together.
2. Create a Well. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Make a slight well around the feta to ensure even baking.
3. Bake. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta cheese. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes burst, and the feta cheese turns golden brown.
4. Boil the Pasta. While the feta mixture bakes, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Combine and Toss. Once the baked ingredients are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the baked feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too dry, use some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve and Garnish. Plate the Baked Feta Pasta, garnishing it with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Season with more black pepper and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.

Tips And Tricks

Making baked feta pasta is relatively simple, but there are some tips and tricks to ensure it turns out delicious:

• Use High-Quality Ingredients. Because this dish is quite simple, the quality of the ingredients matters. Choose good-quality feta cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and extra-virgin olive oil.
• Adjust the Seasonings. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer more herbs, adjust the basil and oregano.
• Use Fresh Herbs. While dried herbs work well, using fresh basil can add a burst of flavor. Consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
• Mix It Well. Before baking, ensure that the cherry tomatoes and feta cheese are coated evenly with olive oil and seasonings. This helps distribute the flavors.

Variations

Baked feta pasta is a versatile dish, and you can get creative with various ingredients to create unique variations. Here are some ideas:

• Mediterranean Twist- Add pitted Kalamata olives. Throw in some artichoke hearts. Mix in spinach or arugula for a fresh, leafy element.
• Protein Boost- Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. Mix in cooked Italian sausage for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Delight- Roast an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant alongside the tomatoes. Add a handful of pine nuts or toasted almonds for crunch.

What To Serve With Baked Feta Pasta

Baked feta pasta is a delightful and filling dish on its own, but if you'd like to serve it with some complementary sides, here are some options to consider:

• Garlic Bread- A classic choice to complement pasta dishes. The crispy and buttery garlic bread pairs well with the creamy pasta.
• Salad- A fresh, green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the pasta. Consider a Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta for a Mediterranean twist.
• Roasted Vegetables- You can roast some vegetables alongside the pasta for a complete meal. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work well.
• Bruschetta- A tomato and basil bruschetta is a lovely appetizer to serve before the pasta or as a side dish.

How Long Does It Last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Baked Feta Pasta will stay fresh for 2-3 days.

Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more of the sauce over time, so you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of pasta water when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.

Can You Freeze It?

Baked feta pasta isn't the most ideal dish for freezing, primarily because pasta can become mushy and the creamy feta sauce may separate when thawed and reheated.

More Perfect Pasta Dishes

• Shrimp Pasta
• Pesto Pasta
• Haluski Recipe
• Instant Pot Eggplant Pasta
• Mushroom Pasta with Mascarpone

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