Baked Feta Pasta Viral Tiktok Pasta Recipe

I was cooking dinner the other day and decided to try this baked feta pasta recipe, and honestly, its kinda wild how the juicy tomatoes, melty feta and spicy garlic all come together to make a meal that feels like a total game changer.

I love this viral baked feta pasta recipe cause it’s full of flavor and good nutrition. I like how the cherry tomatoes, garlic, and tangy feta melt together, and the olive oil and red pepper flakes add a healthy twist.

It’s fast, tasty, and a great balance of natural vitamins.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Provides carbohydrates for energy and filling; a tasty base that makes this dish super comforting.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with natural sweetness and tang; they deliver vitamins plus antioxidants that are aces.
• Feta Cheese: Offers a savory, salty kick and a good protein boost; its creaminess elevates the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a punch of flavor plus some heart-friendly benefits; it really accentuates the taste.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fats that bring richness to the dish; helps blend flavors together effortlessly.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Give a subtle heat, balancing the cream and sweetness perfectly.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 oz pasta (penne or your fave type)
• 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 block feta cheese (about 200-250 g)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (optional)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and make sure you have an oven safe dish ready.

2. Put in the halved cherry tomatoes in the dish and place the feta cheese block right in the center.

3. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and feta, and then add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper all over.

4. Give everything a light stir so that the seasonings start to work their magic on the tomatoes.

5. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for about 30 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and the feta starts to melt.

6. While the dish is baking, cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until it gets to an al dente consistency.

7. When the baking time is up, take the dish out and use a fork or spoon to break up the melted feta and mix it with the tomatoes.

8. Drain the pasta and add it into your baking dish, then toss everything together so the pasta gets fully coated with that creamy sauce.

9. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed then sprinkle the fresh basil on top if you’re using it.

10. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Baked Feta Pasta!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (for preheating to 400°F)
2. Oven safe dish (for baking the tomatoes and feta)
3. Large pot (for boiling the pasta in salted water)
4. Colander (to drain the boiled pasta)
5. Mixing utensil like a fork or spoon (to stir the ingredients and break up the melted feta)
6. Measuring cups and spoons (for the olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper)
7. Knife and cutting board (for halving the cherry tomatoes and roughly chopping the basil)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
  A: Yes, you can. While penne is great, feel free to use whatever pasta you like best.
• Q: Do I really need to cut the cherry tomatoes in half?
  A: Yea, it’s important because halving them helps to soften and release their juices while baking.
• Q: Can I replace feta with another cheese?
  A: You can try, but the tangy flavor of feta is what makes this dish special, so you might lose some of that kick.
• Q: Is fresh basil necessary?
  A: Not at all, but tossing some on at the end adds a nice fresh vibe to the dish.
• Q: What should I do if my pasta is still too firm after baking?
  A: If that happens, you can give it an extra few minutes in the oven or toss it in some boiling water for a minute to finish cooking.

Baked Feta Pasta Viral Tiktok Pasta Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Feta cheese: Try using goat cheese or even ricotta salata if you want a slightly different taste.
• Cherry tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or even chopped up regular tomatoes work just fine if you’re short on the little ones.
• Olive oil: Avocado oil could be a good swap or even a bit of melted butter if you want a richer flavor.
• Garlic cloves: You can use garlic powder or jarred minced garlic if you’re in a hurry.
• Red pepper flakes: If you dont like too much spice, a pinch of paprika or mild chili powder can do the trick instead.

Pro Tips

1. Try reserving a cup of your pasta water before draining it. Mixing a little of that starchy water into your baked tomatoes and feta can make the sauce smoother and help the pasta get coated better, especially if your sauce looks a bit runny.

2. If you’re into flavors with a kick, toss in a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. It not only brightens up the dish but also balances out the richness of the feta and olive oil, making each bite pop a bit more.

3. For even cooking, make sure your cherry tomatoes are spread out in the dish so they dont overcrowd each other. This helps them roast nicely and infuse all the flavors rather than steaming in a tight space.

4. A quick tip is to crumble the feta into smaller pieces after baking so it gets mixed well through the pasta. This way, each bite gets a bit of that creamy, tangy goodness and its easier to eat without big chunks falling apart.