Baked Feta Pasta (TikTok Viral Recipe)
This Baked Feta Pasta became a worldwide sensation — creamy, tangy feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil to create the dreamiest sauce ever. Tossed with pasta, it’s the easiest weeknight meal that looks (and tastes) like you spent hours in the kitchen. Perfectly balanced between rich, salty, and bright — and totally viral for a reason!
Baked Feta Pasta (TikTok Viral Recipe)
Creamy, tangy, and irresistibly easy — this TikTok-famous Baked Feta Pasta blends roasted cherry tomatoes and melted feta into a luscious sauce for the ultimate one-pan dinner. Ready in 35 minutes!
Equipment
- Baking dish (8×8 in or similar, oven-safe)
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring and mashing feta)
- Measuring spoons
- Chef’s knife (for chopping garlic and basil)
- Cutting board
- Microplane or garlic press (if you prefer finely minced garlic)
- Tongs (for tossing pasta evenly with sauce)
Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 block 8 oz feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 8 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or bow-tie
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, combine tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Place feta block in the center of the dish, nestling it between the tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
- While baking, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup pasta water.
- Mash the feta and tomatoes with a fork to create a creamy sauce.
- Add pasta and splash in reserved water as needed for a silky consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Notes
💡 Recipe Notes
- For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cream cheese.
- Try adding roasted red peppers, spinach, or shrimp for a twist.
- Leftovers keep 2 days in the fridge — reheat gently with a splash of water or milk.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
-
Storage:
Allow the pasta to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days.
The sauce may thicken slightly as it cools, which is normal. -
Reheating:
Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or pasta water to loosen the sauce and restore creaminess. Stir occasionally while heating to prevent sticking. -
Freezing:
Not recommended — feta cheese tends to lose its creamy texture when frozen and thawed.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Use a different cheese: Try goat cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese if you don’t have feta.
- Boost the flavor: Add a spoonful of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or a pinch of Italian seasoning before baking.
- Make it spicy: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil after baking.
- Add protein: Toss in cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
- Make it gluten-free: Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- For creamier texture: Mix in a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or sparkling water with lemon.
- Top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of basil or oregano before serving.
- For extra color and nutrition, mix in baby spinach or roasted vegetables.
- Great as a main course or shared side dish at gatherings or potlucks.
