Introduction

Baked Feta Pasta became a viral sensation in early 2021, largely thanks to its simplicity and the rise of TikTok recipes. The dish features baked feta cheese, which melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. It’s a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that has become a favorite for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. But its appeal goes beyond the viral trends—it’s delicious and can easily be tailored to suit various tastes.

The History of Ingredients Breakdown

Feta Cheese: Originating from Greece, feta is a brined curd cheese made from sheep’s milk or a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk. Feta is known for its crumbly texture and tangy, slightly salty flavor, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the tomatoes and pasta in this dish.
Pasta: The heart of many Italian dishes, pasta comes in countless varieties. For baked feta pasta, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best because the sauce clings to the crevices.
Olive Oil: A key component in Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil not only adds richness and flavor but helps the feta cheese bake and melt into a creamy texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy, and slightly tart, cherry tomatoes burst in the oven, releasing their juices and melding with the feta to create a luscious sauce.
Garlic & Herbs: Garlic adds depth and aroma, while fresh herbs like basil or oregano lend an earthy, aromatic quality.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

1 block of feta cheese (200g)
2 cups cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3-4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
250g short pasta (penne, rigatoni, etc.)
Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

Preheat oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare baking dish: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, and drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Bake: Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and beginning to brown slightly. The tomatoes should burst and release their juices.
Cook pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve a little pasta water (about 1/2 cup).
Combine: Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove from the oven. Use a spoon or fork to mash the feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Garnish: Top with fresh basil and serve immediately.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Feta Pasta

Use high-quality feta: The flavor of the feta is key to the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a good-quality, full-fat feta for a creamier and richer sauce.
Roast tomatoes until they burst: Ensure the tomatoes are fully cooked and soft so they release their juices and blend with the feta to create a smooth sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente pasta so it doesn’t get too soft when combined with the sauce.
Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go—add more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your preferences.

Variations and Customizations

Vegan Version: Swap feta for vegan cheese or even a block of tofu. Use a dairy-free alternative for the butter or olive oil as needed.
Add Protein: Chicken breast, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas can be added for a protein boost.
Roast Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the dish for more variety and nutrients.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce before baking for a bit of heat.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Feta Cheese: While feta is relatively lower in calories compared to other cheeses, it is still high in sodium. If you’re on a low-sodium diet, consider using less feta or opting for a low-sodium variety.

Pasta: You can opt for whole wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives for a healthier twist. Whole grain pasta adds fiber, which can help improve digestion and maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins C and A, as well as antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes are great for boosting immunity and protecting the skin.

Olive Oil: Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat rich in monounsaturated fats, which may reduce inflammation and improve cardiovascular health.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or even mozzarella. However, keep in mind the flavor profile will change.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the feta and tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake and add the pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta works well, but you could also try spaghetti, although a chunkier pasta holds the sauce better.

Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, this dish can easily be made gluten-free. Just check the feta for any gluten-related additives if you’re highly sensitive.

Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta became a viral sensation in early 2021, largely thanks to its simplicity and the rise of TikTok recipes. The dish features baked feta cheese, which melts into a creamy sauce that coats the pasta. It's a quick, flavorful, and comforting meal that has become a favorite for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. But its appeal goes beyond the viral trends—it's delicious and can easily be tailored to suit various tastes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings 5

Ingredients

2 pints 20 oz grape tomatoes
5 medium garlic cloves peeled and halved
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
7 – 8 oz. block feta cheese sheep’s milk variety, such as Murray’s, drained
10 oz. dry pasta such as campanelle rigatoni, rotini, penne, bow tie, or cavatappi
8 oz. spinach roughly chopped (8 packed cups)
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or more to taste
1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Add grape tomatoes and garlic to a 3 quart baking dish. Toss with olive oil and a few pinches of salt and pepper. Place feta in the center of tomatoes, turn to coat with oil.
Bake in center of preheated oven for 30 minutes.
Then remove the baking dish, raise oven rack up to upper 1/3 of the oven. Return baking dish to oven and increase oven to 450 degrees. Bake until tomatoes and cheese are starting to brown slightly, about 10 minutes longer.
Meanwhile boil pasta to al dente in salted water (I use 1 Tbsp salt and about 3 or 4 quarts of water), according to time listed on pasta package.
Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and right before draining pour and submerge spinach in with the pasta (it should wilt almost instantly). Drain pasta and spinach.
Smash the tomatoes, garlic, oil and feta together with the back of a wooden spoon. Toss pasta in with mixture along with basil, parsley and red pepper flakes.
Thin mixture with a few tablespoons of pasta water at a time to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm.

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