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- 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes - 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese - 250g (9 oz) pasta options (penne, fusilli, or rotini) - 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes for spice - 1 tablespoon lemon juice for brightness - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Gather these ingredients to make TikTok baked feta pasta. The cherry tomatoes burst with flavor as they roast, while the feta cheese melts into a creamy sauce. You can pick any pasta you like, but I love using penne or fusilli. They both hold the sauce well. The garlic adds a nice kick. The olive oil makes everything rich and smooth. Don't forget the dried oregano; it gives a lovely herbal taste. If you like some heat, red chili flakes are a great choice. For a zesty touch, add lemon juice. Finally, top it all off with fresh basil for that perfect finish. These ingredients are simple yet come together to create a dish that feels special. Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure everything cooks evenly. 2. Grab a large baking dish. Spread the cherry tomatoes evenly in the dish. 3. Create a spot in the middle for the feta cheese block. Place it right there. 4. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. It adds great flavor. 5. Sprinkle 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and chili flakes if you want spice. Add salt and black pepper for taste. 1. Place the baking dish in the hot oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should blister and the feta should melt. 2. While that bakes, cook 250g of pasta according to package instructions. Look for the word "al dente," which means it should be firm but not hard. 3. Once the pasta is done, drain it. Be sure to save a cup of pasta water for later. 1. After baking, take the dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes. This creates a creamy sauce. 2. Add the drained pasta to the baking dish. Pour a splash of the reserved pasta water in. It helps make the sauce creamy. 3. Toss everything together gently. Make sure the pasta is covered with the sauce. 4. If you like, squeeze a tablespoon of lemon juice over the pasta for a bright burst of flavor. 5. Serve hot and top with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. To ensure a creamy sauce, mix in a bit of reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce stick to the pasta. If you want to change the pasta type, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or rotini. Each type gives a different texture that works well. For a better aroma, use fresh garlic. When you mince it, let it sit for a few minutes before using. This helps release its oils. If you like heat, adjust the spice level by adding more or less red chili flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. To make a complete meal, pair your pasta with a side salad or some crusty bread. The crunch of the bread complements the creaminess of the dish. For plating, use a large bowl to show off the vibrant colors. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top adds a nice touch and aroma. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta that holds sauce well, like fusilli or rotini, to enhance the creamy texture. Quality Feta Matters: Use a high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and creaminess; look for one packed in brine for extra moisture. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil not only adds flavor but also brightens the dish; consider adding it just before serving for maximum freshness. Adjust Creaminess: If the sauce is too thick after mixing, add more reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached. {{image_4}} You can easily swap ingredients to fit your tastes. If you want a vegan dish, use plant-based feta. Many brands offer great dairy-free options. You can also add more veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Spinach is a wonderful choice. It wilts nicely and adds a fresh touch. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Just chop them up and mix them in before baking. Want to spice things up? You can add protein to your pasta. Chicken, shrimp, or tofu all work well. Simply cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta. This adds heartiness and makes the dish more filling. You can also play with herbs. Try thyme for a floral note or rosemary for something earthy. Mixing different herbs can create a unique flavor profile. This dish is versatile. You can make a baked feta pasta casserole instead of serving it straight from the oven. Just layer the pasta and sauce in a baking dish and add cheese on top. Bake until bubbly and golden. Alternatively, enjoy it cold as a pasta salad. Just let it chill, then toss with some olive oil and fresh veggies. This makes a refreshing meal for hot days. After enjoying your TikTok baked feta pasta, store leftovers in airtight containers. Glass containers work best, as they help prevent odors. You can also use plastic containers, but make sure they close tightly. For refrigeration, let the pasta cool down before sealing. Place the container in the fridge within two hours. If you want to save it for longer, freezing is a great option. Just make sure to leave space in the container, as the pasta expands when frozen. To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir the pasta between each burst to ensure even heating. If you use the stovetop, add a splash of water or extra olive oil. This keeps the pasta from drying out. After refrigeration, the sauce may seem thick. To bring back the creamy texture, add a little reserved pasta water. Stir well until it becomes smooth and creamy again. In the fridge, the baked feta pasta lasts about 3-4 days. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for changes in color or a sour smell. If anything seems off, it’s best to throw it away. You can use many types of pasta for this dish. I recommend: - Penne - Fusilli - Rotini These shapes hold the creamy sauce well. You want a pasta that’s fun to eat and captures every bite of that delicious sauce. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan. For a non-dairy option, try these: - Vegan feta cheese: Look for brands made from nuts or tofu. - Gluten-free pasta: Use rice or chickpea pasta if you prefer. These swaps still give you a tasty and creamy dish that everyone can enjoy, even those with dietary restrictions. This dish is perfect for meal prep! Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and sauce in advance and store them separately. - Use airtight containers to keep them fresh. - Reheat the pasta and sauce together, adding a splash of water if needed. This way, you can enjoy a quick, delicious meal on busy days without losing flavor or creaminess! This blog post covered all the key steps to make baked feta pasta. You learned about the main ingredients and some optional ones for extra flavor. We discussed the cooking method and tips to ensure a creamy sauce. Variations let you customize this dish to your taste. Lastly, I shared how to store leftovers and reheat them properly. Enjoy trying this recipe and adapting it to your liking! You'll impress friends and family with minimal effort.

Creamy Baked Feta Pasta Delight

A delicious pasta dish featuring creamy feta cheese and blistered cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g cherry tomatoes
  • 200 g block of feta cheese
  • 250 g pasta of choice
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s ready for the dish.
  • In a large baking dish, evenly spread out the cherry tomatoes, then make a space in the center and place the block of feta cheese.
  • Generously drizzle the olive oil over both the tomatoes and feta. Then, sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, optional chili flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper on top of everything.
  • Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should be blistered and the feta golden and softened.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta but reserve a small cup of the pasta water for later use.
  • After removing the baked feta and tomatoes from the oven, use a fork to mash the feta into the blistered tomatoes, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
  • Add the drained pasta to the baking dish along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, consider squeezing a tablespoon of lemon juice over the pasta before serving.
  • Serve the dish hot, garnished with a handful of fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant presentation and fresh aroma.

Notes

Pair with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Keyword baked, creamy, feta, pasta, vegetarian