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.
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Mediterranean
- 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
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.
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.