TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
Hate reading? ME TOO! That’s why I’ve included some videos below.
TikTok Baked Feta Pasta is the easy, tasty dish that took social media by storm. You only need a few simple ingredients to create this creamy, flavorful pasta that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s as simple as tossing cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a block of feta in a baking dish, then adding cooked pasta.
This recipe is a game-changer for pasta lovers. You’ll love how the feta melts into a creamy sauce, while the tomatoes burst with flavor. It’s a dish that looks fancy but requires minimal effort – perfect for impressing your friends or treating yourself to a special meal.
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make TikTok’s famous baked feta pasta:
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
- 2 pints (20 oz) cherry tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 pinches red pepper flakes
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
You might already have some of these items in your kitchen. The star ingredients are the feta cheese and cherry tomatoes. Make sure to get a block of feta, not crumbled, for the best results.
Don’t forget to save about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This will help you adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
Feel free to swap the bowtie pasta for your favorite shape. Penne, rotini, or fusilli work great too!
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a baking dish and toss in the cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt.
Place the feta block in the middle of the dish. Drizzle it with more olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.
Pop the dish in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, turn up the heat to 450°F and bake for 5-10 more minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the feta is golden and the tomatoes are bursting.
While that’s baking, cook your pasta following the package directions. Don’t forget to save about a cup of pasta water before draining!
Once the baking dish is out of the oven, mix in the garlic and basil. The heat from the dish will gently cook the garlic.
Add your cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. If it seems dry, splash in some of that pasta water you saved. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Your TikTok baked feta pasta is ready to serve! Enjoy your tasty creation while it’s hot.
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily mix up this viral TikTok pasta with some tasty swaps. Try these ideas to make it your own:
Cheese options:
- Goat cheese for a tangy twist
- Ricotta for a milder flavor
- Brie for extra creaminess
Instead of cherry tomatoes, use:
- Grape tomatoes
- Diced roma tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomatoes (reduce oil in recipe)
Pasta shapes to try:
- Penne
- Rotini
- Shells
Spice it up with:
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme
For a protein boost, add:
- Cooked chicken
- Crispy bacon bits
- Canned tuna (drained)
Veggie variations:
- Toss in spinach leaves after baking
- Mix in roasted bell peppers
- Add sliced zucchini to the baking dish
Want a creamier sauce? Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat feta and less oil.
You can even try a dessert version! Use strawberries instead of tomatoes, and top with a drizzle of honey and fresh mint.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Want to make this TikTok pasta even better? Here are some handy tips:
- Use high-quality feta for the best flavor. Greek feta is a great choice.
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil. It helps create a creamy sauce.
- Try different pasta shapes like penne or rotini for variety.
For a twist, add some extras:
- Toss in spinach leaves for a pop of green
- Sprinkle pine nuts on top for crunch
- Mix in some cooked chicken for extra protein
Storing is easy:
- Let leftovers cool completely
- Place in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days
To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave in 30-second bursts. Stir between each burst until it’s hot.
You can also freeze this pasta. Just skip the fresh basil and add it when you reheat. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months.
