Baked Feta Pasta (TikTok Inspired) Recipe
Baked Feta Pasta is a viral TikTok-inspired dish featuring a luscious combination of roasted feta cheese and cherry tomatoes baked to perfection and tossed with pasta, garlic, basil, and a basil pesto blend. This easy, flavorful recipe takes only 45 minutes and delivers a creamy, tangy, and savory sauce that is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8-12 ounces medium pasta like gemilli, rotini, fusilli
Tomato & Cheese Mixture
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes (20-25 ounces)
- ½ cup chopped sun dried tomatoes in oil (optional)
- 1 7-8 oz. block feta in brine, preferably French feta/100% sheep’s milk
Herbs & Seasonings
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil + more for drizzling
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ¼ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Fresh Ingredients
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the feta and tomatoes.
- Combine Tomato Mixture: In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), basil pesto, olive oil, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, pepper, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add Feta Cheese: Create a space in the center of the baking dish and place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of the feta to help it roast beautifully.
- Bake: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes or until the feta softens and the tomatoes start to burst and release their juices.
- Cook Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. About 10 minutes before the feta is done, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare Flavors: After removing the baking dish from the oven, immediately add the minced garlic and chopped basil to the hot tomatoes and feta, stirring for about 30 seconds to let the residual heat gently cook the garlic.
- Create Sauce: Use a spatula to press down and break apart the roasted feta cheese, stirring it together with the tomatoes to create a creamy, cohesive sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta into the baking dish and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If a creamier consistency is desired, gradually stir in reserved pasta water ¼ cup at a time until it reaches your preferred texture (about ½ cup typically).
- Season to Taste: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. For a less tangy flavor, incorporate a couple teaspoons of sugar or honey as needed to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Notes
- Use medium pasta shapes like gemilli, rotini, or fusilli for best sauce coverage.
- French feta made from 100% sheep’s milk provides a creamier and richer flavor; however, any feta can be used.
- Adding sun-dried tomatoes is optional but adds an extra depth of flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency—adding it slowly ensures the perfect creaminess.
- Adjust seasoning carefully at the end, as flavors intensify after baking.
