Crisp, bright tomatoes meet salty, tangy feta in this incredibly simple yet utterly satisfying pasta dish. The beauty of this baked feta pasta lies in its transformation; the feta melts into a creamy, luscious sauce, embracing the sweetness of the roasted tomatoes and infusing every strand of pasta with its unique flavor. It’s a dish that works because it’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes – the soft, yielding feta, the burst of juicy tomatoes, and the al dente pasta.
This easy-to-make meal is perfect for a busy weeknight when you crave something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also elegant enough to serve to guests for a casual gathering.
Why you’ll love this Creamy Baked Feta Pasta (Viral TikTok Sensation)
- It’s incredibly easy to make with minimal effort and cleanup.
- Requires just a handful of simple ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
- The creamy, tangy flavor of the baked feta pasta is simply irresistible, a comforting symphony of textures and tastes.
- It’s easily customizable – add your favorite vegetables or protein for a heartier meal.
- This baked feta pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces feta cheese block
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Baked feta pasta makes every moment feel satisfying. Substitutions: For a richer, more intense flavor, try using sun-dried tomatoes in addition to or in place of some of the cherry tomatoes. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but fresh is highly recommended for the best flavor. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
How to make Creamy Baked Feta Pasta (Viral TikTok Sensation)
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add the Feta
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
Step 3: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and the feta is melted and slightly golden.
Chef’s Tip: Keep an eye on the feta – you want it to be melted and slightly browned, but not burnt.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the baked feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat evenly with the feta tomato sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Step 7: Serve
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key for the best texture.
- Reserve pasta water! It’s essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Use good quality feta cheese for the best flavor.
- Fresh basil is best, but if you only have dried basil, add it to the tomato mixture *before* baking to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy baked feta pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. Consider serving it with a light vinaigrette salad with fresh greens and cucumbers. To complement the Mediterranean flavors, you might also enjoy a grilled chicken or fish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this pasta?
While you *can* freeze this pasta, the texture of the feta may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or reheated within a few days.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, but it’s entirely optional. Omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
The unique flavor of feta is what makes this dish special, but if you’re looking for a substitute, goat cheese could work in a pinch, although the flavor profile will be different.
This Creamy Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined in the right way, can create a truly extraordinary dish. From the creamy, tangy sauce to the perfectly cooked pasta, every bite is an explosion of flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to company. Give this baked feta pasta a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Creamy Baked Feta Pasta (Viral TikTok Sensation)
Indulge in the creamy, tangy, and unbelievably easy Baked Feta Pasta that took the internet by storm! This viral sensation combines roasted feta cheese with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant garlic, and vibrant basil for a simple yet sensational pasta dish. Ready in under 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that will impress your family and friends. The feta melts into a luscious sauce, coating every strand of pasta for an explosion of flavor in every bite. The rich tomato and cheese sauce creates a symphony of texture and taste that’s both comforting and incredibly satisfying.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces feta cheese block
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened and the feta is melted and slightly golden.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the baked feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat evenly with the feta tomato sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh basil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, use roasted garlic instead of minced garlic. To add more vegetables, include bell peppers or zucchini to the tomato mixture. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg