If you’ve seen the viral Baked Feta Pasta trend on TikTok, you’re probably wondering what makes this dish so special. It’s creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you follow the original recipe or add your own twist, like goat cheese or broccolini, this dish never disappoints!
What You’ll Need for Baked Feta Pasta:
- Pasta: Choose your favorite type! Orecchiette is recommended, but rigatoni, penne, or fusilli will work just as well. Even gluten-free options are great.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Or use grape tomatoes, roma tomatoes, or heirloom varieties.
- Feta Cheese: A block of feta is baked alongside the tomatoes for ultimate creaminess.
- Herbs & Aromatics: Fresh garlic, oregano, lemon zest, basil, and olive oil bring this dish to life.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper, to taste.
How to Make It:
- Preheat Oven: Set it to 400°F. Place cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe dish. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest. Toss everything together.
- Bake: Place the block of feta cheese in the center, drizzle with more olive oil, and season with pepper. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and melty.
- Prepare Pasta: While the sauce is baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Don’t forget to save ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine: Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, stir in chopped basil and toss with your cooked pasta and pasta water to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. Serve with fresh basil on top for garnish.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice things up with red pepper flakes or lemon juice.
- Add a protein like chicken, shrimp, or steak for a heartier meal.
- Try different cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, or brie if you’re feeling adventurous.
Store & Serve:
- Leftovers? Simply store them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet with a little extra olive oil.
This Baked Feta Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner, guaranteed to impress your family or guests! For more pasta inspiration, check out our Pasta with White Wine and Mussels or Pasta with Leeks and Green Peas recipes.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp oregano
- Zest of ½ lemon
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (plus more for garnish)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place tomatoes in a baking dish, toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest. Place feta in the center, season, and drizzle with oil.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the tomatoes burst and feta is melted.
- Cook pasta and reserve ¼ cup pasta water.
- Toss baked feta sauce with pasta, adding reserved pasta water to make a creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh basil.
Try it out and see why this pasta recipe is taking over the internet!
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