Baked Feta Pasta is a delightful and straightforward dish that gained immense popularity after going viral on TikTok. Its creamy texture, combined with the rich flavors of roasted tomatoes and feta cheese, makes it a favorite for many. This recipe not only offers a delicious meal but also requires minimal effort, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
Ingredients
To prepare this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need:
- Pasta: 10 ounces of your choice (penne, fusilli, or bowtie work well)
- Cherry Tomatoes: 2 pints, fresh and ripe.
- Feta Cheese: One 8-ounce block.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.Little Sunny Kitchen+8Feel Good Foodie+8Cooking Classy+8
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ½ cup.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful, chopped.
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (adjust to taste).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.Cheese Knees 🧀+1Delish+1
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Tomato and Feta Mixture:
- In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle with most of the olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, then toss to coat.Delish
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta.
- Bake: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta becomes soft and slightly golden.Delish
- Cook the Pasta: While the tomato and feta mixture is baking, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Combine: Once the tomato and feta mixture is ready, remove it from the oven. Mash the softened feta and tomatoes together to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the baking dish, stirring until well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped basil leaves. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Feta Pasta
- Tomato Selection: Opt for ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for a sweeter, more flavorful sauce.Delish+1Insanely Good Recipes+1
- Pasta Choice: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or bowtie are ideal as they hold the sauce well.
- Enhancements: For added depth, consider incorporating ingredients like spinach, olives, or roasted red peppers.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.
This Baked Feta Pasta recipe offers a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. Its simplicity and deliciousness have contributed to its viral status, making it a must-try for pasta enthusiasts.
