If you’re craving something that’s both outrageously easy and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, Baked Feta Pasta is the answer. Imagine a bubbling dish of sweet cherry tomatoes, a creamy block of feta, all melded together with olive oil until you have the most luscious, tangy pasta sauce—no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. Everything roasts in one pan, then gets tossed with al dente pasta and showered with bright, fragrant basil. This viral sensation is truly as magical and comforting as you’ve heard, and it’s about to become your new weeknight staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s extraordinary power in simple ingredients, and Baked Feta Pasta proves it! Each component is carefully chosen to pack in flavor, deliver that perfect creamy sauce, and make the dish as vibrant as it looks. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to help each element shine.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness intensifies as they roast, creating a jammy, flavorful base for your sauce.
- Block of feta cheese: Using a whole block results in that ultra creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture you want.
- Olive oil: A generous drizzle not only helps everything bake beautifully, but also enriches the flavor.
- Garlic (minced): Just a little goes a long way—fresh, pungent flavor infuses the entire dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a kick of heat! Adjust to your spice preference or skip for a milder version.
- Pasta (such as penne or rotini): These shapes soak up creamy sauce perfectly, but feel free to swap in your favorite short pasta.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for letting the tomatoes and feta truly shine—season to taste.
- Fresh basil (chopped): The finishing touch! Basil’s bright, herbal notes make every bite pop.
- Reserved pasta water: Adding a splash will loosen the sauce and create a silky texture if you need it.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato and Feta Base
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish large enough to hold everything comfortably. Cluster the cherry tomatoes around the edges, then nestle the block of feta right in the center. Drizzle everything with olive oil, sprinkle on minced garlic, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Gently toss the tomatoes so they’re well coated, and make sure the feta gets a little love from the seasonings too.
Step 2: Roast to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 30 to 35 minutes. The tomatoes will start to burst, releasing their juices, and the feta will soften and turn irresistibly golden on top. This is where the flavors deepen and your house starts to smell absolutely incredible.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your feta and tomatoes cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Don’t forget to scoop out about ¼ cup of pasta water just before draining—the starchiness will help you get that perfect creamy sauce.
Step 4: Mash and Make the Sauce
Once the feta and tomatoes are done roasting, take the dish out of the oven (careful, it’s hot!) and use a fork or spoon to mash the softened feta with the tomatoes. Stir everything together until you’re left with a creamy, flavorful sauce, tinted pink from the tomatoes and impossibly glossy from the olive oil.
Step 5: Toss It All Together
Add the hot cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and stir well, making sure every noodle is coated with that dreamy feta-tomato sauce. If the mixture seems a little thick, slowly mix in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches silky perfection.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Scatter chopped fresh basil generously over the top. Take a taste—if it needs another pinch of salt or a grind of pepper, go for it! Serve your Baked Feta Pasta warm, right from the baking dish for extra coziness.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
Garnishes
Fresh basil is the classic finishing touch for Baked Feta Pasta, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for added richness. Lemon zest can add a lovely brightness, and an extra pinch of red pepper flakes will awaken your tastebuds with a tingle of heat.
Side Dishes
Since Baked Feta Pasta is so rich and satisfying, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think crisp green salads tossed with vinaigrette, roasted asparagus, or a platter of marinated olives. Warm, crusty bread is always a winner for scooping up every bit of sauce and makes dinner feel extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to turn Baked Feta Pasta into an event, transfer it to a big, rustic serving bowl and garnish generously so it looks as fabulous as it tastes. For a twist, offer DIY toppings at the table—sliced grilled chicken, wilted spinach, or extra chopped herbs—so everyone can customize their bowl. Serve alongside a few shareable appetizers for a fun, Mediterranean-inspired dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, keep your Baked Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. It will hold up well for 2–3 days, and the flavors actually deepen a bit, making it such a lovely lunch or easy dinner the next day.
Freezing
Baked Feta Pasta isn’t the best candidate for freezing, as the creamy feta sauce can turn a bit grainy after thawing. If you do need to freeze it, portion it into airtight containers and plan to give it a good stir and a splash of water or cream when reheating to help bring back its creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat, spoon your Baked Feta Pasta into a skillet or saucepan with a splash of water or milk. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring, until it’s hot and creamy again. The microwave works too—stir halfway through for even heating. Add fresh basil at the end to revive those bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Absolutely! If you can’t find a block of feta, use about 8 ounces of crumbled feta. Just mound it up in the center of your baking dish so it melts and browns nicely, almost like the original recipe.
What type Main Course
Short-cut pastas like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are ideal—they really grab onto the sauce and make each mouthful creamy and satisfying. But if you have spaghetti or another shape on hand, go ahead and use it! Any pasta you love will work.
Is there a way to make Baked Feta Pasta vegan?
Sure thing! Swap out the feta for a vegan feta-style cheese (there are several delicious varieties at many supermarkets) and double-check that your pasta is egg-free. The rest of the recipe is already plant-based.
Can I add protein or veggies to this dish?
Definitely! Stir in cooked shredded chicken, sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or olives to make the dish heartier or add pops of color. This recipe is a great canvas for adding your favorites.
What can I do if the sauce seems too thick?
No worries—just stir in a bit more of the reserved pasta water or a splash of milk until it loosens to your liking. This step gives you total control over your final creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hopping on a viral trend or simply craving a vibrant, cozy weeknight dinner, Baked Feta Pasta is pure comfort on a plate. It’s endlessly adaptable, joyfully simple, and absolutely packed with flavor. Give it a try and see why everyone who makes it becomes an instant fan—happy cooking!
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the viral Baked Feta Pasta that has taken the internet by storm. This easy vegetarian dish features cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and aromatic seasonings baked to perfection and tossed with pasta for a simple yet flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Cherry Tomatoes:
1 pint
Feta Cheese:
1 block (8 oz)
Olive Oil:
3 tablespoons
Garlic (minced):
3 cloves
Red Pepper Flakes (optional):
½ teaspoon
Pasta (such as penne or rotini):
10 oz
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Fresh Basil (chopped):
¼ cup
Reserved Pasta Water (if needed):
¼ cup
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place cherry tomatoes in a baking dish and add the block of feta cheese in the center.
- Season: Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden.
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Mix: Mash feta and tomatoes to create a sauce. Add pasta and stir to coat.
- Adjust Consistency: Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve: Top with fresh basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Enhance with sautéed spinach, cooked chicken, or olives for extra flavor.
- Crumbled feta can be used as an alternative to a block.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
