TikTok Viral Baked Feta Pasta Tutorial Recipe

Introduction

This baked feta pasta recipe has taken TikTok by storm and for good reason. Combining roasted cherry tomatoes with creamy baked feta creates a luscious sauce that’s both simple and irresistibly delicious. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 8 to 12 ounces pasta (cavatappi or spaghetti recommended)
• Optional: extra-virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons butter for extra creaminess

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with 1/2 cup olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated.
2. Step 2: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish among the tomatoes.
3. Step 3: Bake for 30 minutes at 400°F.
4. Step 4: Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden brown.
5. Step 5: While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
6. Step 6: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the minced garlic and fresh chopped basil to the hot feta and tomatoes, stirring gently to combine and soften the garlic slightly in the residual heat.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if you want a glossy, creamier sauce.
8. Step 8: Optional: Stir in a tablespoon or two of butter for extra richness and drizzle with additional olive oil before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use less pasta (8 to 12 ounces) if you prefer a cheesier, more concentrated sauce with the 8-ounce feta block.
• Reserve some pasta water to loosen up the sauce if it feels too thick.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of honey to the tomatoes before baking for a spicy or subtly sweet twist.
• Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar if you want a little extra acidity.
• Try different shaped pasta like cavatappi or penne for fun texture variations.

Storage

Store leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave; add a splash of water or olive oil if the sauce thickens too much. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick meals.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Feta is key for the creamy, salty flavor and texture that defines this dish. However, if you want a milder taste, try baking goat cheese or a mix of feta and cream cheese for extra creaminess.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?

You can substitute with grape tomatoes or small ripe tomatoes cut in halves. Larger tomatoes may need longer roasting time and can become mushy, so adjust cooking accordingly.

TikTok Viral Baked Feta Pasta Tutorial Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 96 reviews

This viral TikTok-inspired Baked Feta Pasta recipe features juicy cherry tomatoes and a whole block of feta cheese oven-roasted to perfection, then combined with fresh garlic and basil to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta and finished with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, this dish is a simple yet irresistible Italian-inspired comfort food that has captivated food lovers worldwide.

• Author: lina
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tomato and Cheese Base

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 4 cups)
• 8 ounces block of feta cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Flavor Enhancers

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Pasta

• 8 to 12 ounces cavatappi pasta (or spaghetti, if preferred)

Optional Add-ins

• 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Pasta cooking water (reserved, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup, as needed)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with 1/2 cup olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring all tomatoes are evenly coated. This oil amount helps create a rich, confit-like texture while preventing burning during roasting.
2. Add the Feta Cheese: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish among the tomatoes. Do not crumble the feta; keep it whole to allow it to soften and bake evenly.
3. Bake at 400°F: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial baking softens the feta and starts roasting the tomatoes gently.
4. Increase Oven Temperature: After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta develops a golden-brown, slightly caramelized top.
5. Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
6. Combine Garlic and Basil: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh basil directly into the hot feta and tomato mixture. Stir and mash the ingredients together; the warm cheeses will create a creamy sauce while the garlic slightly cooks, mellowing its sharpness.
7. Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta in the sauce.
8. Add Optional Butter: For extra richness and creaminess, stir in one to two tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted and well combined.
9. Final Touch: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the pasta and season with additional black pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting, creamy, and flavorful baked feta pasta.

Notes

• Halving the pasta amount to 8 to 12 ounces creates a cheesier final dish with the full 8 ounces of feta.
• Reserve some pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency and enhance creaminess.
• Adding butter at the end adds richness but is optional.
• The saltiness from feta is sufficient, so additional salt should be added cautiously.
• You can experiment by adding chili flakes or honey to the tomato mixture for different flavor variations.
• This recipe works well with cavatappi, spaghetti, or your favorite pasta shape.

Keywords: baked feta pasta, TikTok pasta, viral pasta recipe, oven-baked feta, cherry tomato pasta, easy pasta dinner, creamy feta pasta