If you’ve spent any time on TikTok in the past couple of years, chances are you’ve come across the viral “TikTok Pasta.” This simple yet irresistibly delicious dish, often referred to as “Baked Feta Pasta,” became a global sensation thanks to its ease of preparation, minimal ingredients, and creamy, flavor-packed outcome. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the origins of this trend, why it became so popular, and how you can make the perfect TikTok Pasta right at home.

The Origins of the TikTok Pasta Trend

While TikTok played a significant role in making this pasta famous, the dish actually has roots in Finland. In 2019, Finnish food blogger Jenni Häyrinen created a recipe called “Uunifetapasta,” which translates to “oven-baked feta pasta.” The dish quickly gained traction in Finland, and grocery stores even reported a feta cheese shortage due to its popularity. However, it wasn’t until early 2021 that the recipe exploded on TikTok, with millions of users trying it and adding their own twists.

Why Did It Go Viral?

The TikTok Pasta craze can be attributed to several factors:

Simplicity – The recipe requires only a handful of ingredients, making it accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.
Minimal Prep Time – You just toss everything into a baking dish, let the oven do the work, and mix it all together.
Visual Appeal – Watching the feta cheese melt into a creamy sauce and mix with vibrant tomatoes creates an aesthetically pleasing dish that’s perfect for social media.
Customizability – Users loved putting their own spin on the recipe by adding proteins, different herbs, or various cheeses.
TikTok’s Influence – The platform’s algorithm favors short, engaging videos, making it easy for food trends to spread like wildfire.

How to Make the Famous TikTok Pasta

Now that you know the history, let’s dive into how you can make this viral pasta at home.

The TikTok Pasta That Took Over the Internet!

Kev

This viral baked feta pasta recipe combines creamy feta cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Tossed with pasta and fresh basil, it’s a simple, delicious, and crowd-pleasing dish.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 30

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 block of feta cheese about 200g
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 cloves garlic minced
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 ounces about 280g pasta of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti work well)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano optional
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor

Instructions

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Baking Dish – In a large oven-safe baking dish, place the block of feta in the center. Surround it with cherry tomatoes.
Add Seasonings – Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Toss the tomatoes slightly to coat them in oil.
Bake – Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and slightly golden.
Cook the Pasta – While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Mix Everything Together – Once the feta is done baking, use a spoon or fork to mash it and mix it with the roasted tomatoes. Stir until you get a creamy sauce.
Combine with Pasta – Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and mix until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Garnish and Serve – Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan, then serve immediately.

Notes

Tips and Variations

Add Protein – For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp

Make it Vegan – Substitute the feta with a vegan alternative or use cashew cream for a dairy-free version.

Spice It Up – For extra heat, add chili flakes or drizzle with hot honey.

Use Different Cheeses – Goat cheese or ricotta can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.

Boost the Veggies – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

1. What kind of pasta works best for TikTok Pasta?

Any pasta works, but short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli helps hold onto the creamy sauce better.

2. Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

A block of feta works best because it melts into a creamy consistency, but crumbled feta can work if you mix it well.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.

4. Can I make this pasta gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.

5. Why does my feta pasta taste too salty?

Some feta brands are saltier than others. If your dish is too salty, balance it with a squeeze of lemon juice or extra tomatoes.

Final Thoughts

The TikTok Pasta trend proved that simple, delicious recipes can take the world by storm. Whether you’re making it for the first time or experimenting with new variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it out today and share your creations online—who knows, maybe your version will go viral next!

Have you tried the TikTok Pasta? Let us know in the comments below!