The TikTok Pasta That Broke the Internet: Baked Feta Perfection

Ever scroll through TikTok and think, “There’s no way that recipe is as good as they say it is”?
Well, prepare to eat your words (and a whole lot of pasta)!

This viral baked feta pasta has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason.
It’s ridiculously easy, outrageously delicious, and I may or may not have made it three times this week already.
Don’t judge me until you’ve tried it yourself!

Ingredients

• 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 shallot, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (8-oz.) block feta cheese
• 3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 10 oz. pasta of your choice
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Time to get this party started!

2. In a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish, combine the tomatoes, shallot, and garlic.
   Drizzle with most of the olive oil, reserving about a tablespoon.
   Season with salt and red pepper flakes, then toss everything together like you’re mixing a summer salad.

3. Place the block of feta in the center of your tomato mixture.
   Drizzle the remaining oil over the feta like it’s liquid gold (because it kind of is).
   Scatter the thyme sprigs around like you’re decorating a cheese board.

4. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting with joy and the feta is golden on top.

5. While your masterpiece is in the oven, cook your pasta according to the package directions.
   Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid magic for sauce-making!

6. Once everything is done, add the cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon zest (if using) to the skillet.
   Stir it all together until you’ve created a creamy, tomatoey, cheesy work of art.

7. Garnish with fresh basil, because we’re fancy like that.

The Secret to Its Viral Success

So what makes this recipe so special that it broke the internet?
It’s all about the magical transformation that happens in the oven.

The tomatoes burst and caramelize, releasing their sweet juices.
Meanwhile, the feta softens and becomes creamy, creating a instant sauce when you mix it all together.
It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth!

The best part? It’s practically foolproof.
Even if you’re a kitchen novice, you can whip up this impressive dish with minimal effort.
It’s the perfect recipe for those nights when you want something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

So there you have it – the TikTok pasta that lives up to the hype.
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it three times in one week too.
Consider yourself warned: this pasta is seriously addictive!