Brace yourself for a weeknight winner: Baked Feta Pasta is the TikTok-famous sensation that delivers big, comforting flavors with incredible ease. Imagine tangy feta melting into juicy, burst tomatoes, creating a lusciously creamy sauce that hugs every strand of pasta. This recipe is as simple to make as it is impressive to eat, and its Mediterranean-inspired magic will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with this irresistible dinner favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Baked Feta Pasta relies on a short list of fresh, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each plays an essential role, from the creamy bite of feta to the sweet pop of roasted tomatoes. Here’s what you’ll need and why you can’t skip any of them:
- Feta Cheese Block: Use a whole 8-ounce block—not crumbles. It melts into a lush, tangy sauce that’s the heart of this dish.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Two cups provide juicy sweetness and lovely color once roasted.
- Olive Oil: Three tablespoons help everything roast evenly and create richness in the sauce.
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, add their addictive aroma and depth of flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Half a teaspoon brings gentle heat—add more or less to taste.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance the creamy and bright flavors.
- Pasta: Eight ounces of penne, rotini, or shells—choose your favorite shape for maximum sauce cling.
- Fresh Basil: A quarter cup, chopped, for color and a burst of herbal freshness at the end.
- Optional Greens: Spinach or arugula stirred in for extra nutrients and flavor if you like.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. In a medium baking dish, set the block of feta squarely in the center and surround it with all those beautiful cherry or grape tomatoes. This keeps the feta nestled for even heat, and ensures each tomato gets glossy and roasted in olive oil.
Step 2: Season and Bake
Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, making sure everything glistens. Sprinkle minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a touch of spice), and a hearty pinch of salt and black pepper all over. Into the oven it goes for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and shrivel slightly and the feta turns golden and creamy.
Step 3: Boil Your Pasta
While your feta and tomatoes roast away, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta of choice until just al dente. Be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining—the starchy water is gold for achieving your dream sauce consistency later!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Once the feta is soft and the tomatoes have burst, take the dish out of the oven. Using a big spoon, mash everything together until it forms a creamy, blushing sauce. The combination is instantly intoxicating—creamy, salty, and sweet.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add your cooked pasta right into the baking dish. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water. Stir in the chopped basil and, if desired, a couple handfuls of spinach or arugula until just wilted. Toss until every piece of pasta is coated in that dreamy, cheesy tomato sauce. Serve warm and savor!
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
Garnishes
For a fresh and lively finish, shower your Baked Feta Pasta with extra chopped basil or a few torn mint leaves. A sprinkle of lemon zest or a shower of cracked black pepper takes it up another notch. Don’t forget a drizzle of good olive oil for a restaurant-worthy gloss.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a star on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or a hunk of warm, crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce—a treat you won’t want to miss!
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your Baked Feta Pasta skills by serving it straight from the baking dish for a rustic, family-style vibe, or plate it in individual bowls and top with extra herbs and a wedge of lemon. For parties, try spooning it into small cups for a fun appetizer-sized twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any cooled Baked Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even cozier as they mingle in the fridge, making for a delicious next-day lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
Freezing
While this dish is at its best fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a tightly-sealed container for up to one month. Be aware that the feta may get a bit grainy after freezing, but a splash of water or milk and a thorough stir will help revive the sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, add a little splash of water, milk, or olive oil to loosen up the sauce, then microwave or warm gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir well and add extra fresh greens or herbs if you’d like to brighten things up.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
It’s best to use a block of feta, as it melts more evenly and creates a creamier sauce. Crumbles tend to dry out during baking, so if possible, go for the whole block.
What type Main Course
Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work perfectly because their nooks and curves trap plenty of sauce. That said, any pasta you love will work, so use what you have on hand!
Is there a gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta option?
Absolutely! Swap in your favorite gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta to make Baked Feta Pasta a bit healthier or friendlier for different diets. Just be sure to check the package for cooking times.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas make delicious additions. Simply add them when you stir in the pasta, and you’ll have a heartier meal in minutes.
How can I make Baked Feta Pasta vegan or dairy-free?
You can experiment using a quality vegan feta cheese (such as one made from coconut oil or almonds). The result will be slightly different but still deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for an easy, flavorful pasta that always steals the show, Baked Feta Pasta is the answer. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but comes together with hardly any fuss. Give it a try—you just might find your new go-to weeknight dinner!
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a viral sensation for good reason. Creamy feta cheese and burst cherry tomatoes create a luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. It’s easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Feta Pasta:
- 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Optional: baby spinach or arugula for added greens
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare the feta: In a medium baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with the cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden and soft.
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve pasta water.
- Combine: Remove dish from oven, mash feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta, reserved water, chopped basil, and greens. Stir well.
- Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier alternative.
- Enhance with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables for more protein and flavor.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
