Name: Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta of choice (such as penne or fusilli); 1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese; 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)

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If you’ve been searching for a dinner that feels as much like a kitchen miracle as it does a flavor explosion, you have to try Baked Feta Pasta. This sensational Mediterranean-inspired dish combines jammy roasted tomatoes and creamy, golden feta with tender pasta, fragrant garlic, and a pop of fresh basil. In under an hour with just a handful of ingredients, you can serve up one of the most irresistible pasta bowls ever—destined to steal the spotlight at any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Feta Pasta is in its simplicity—the best Mediterranean meals let their ingredients shine, and this dish does just that. Every component brings its own personality, from salty, creamy feta to juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together under a blanket of olive oil and herbs.

Pasta of choice (8 ounces): Go for fusilli, penne, or any short noodle that soaks up all that creamy sauce.
Feta cheese (1 block, 8 ounces): The heart and soul of this dish, feta bakes into a magical, tangy sauce.
Cherry or grape tomatoes (2 cups): These burst into sweet, jammy pockets of flavor during baking.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Helps everything caramelize and adds luscious body to the sauce.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For bold, aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the flavors to life, but start light since feta is salty!
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the seasonings with a warm finish.
Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup, chopped): Cool, herbal brightness ties everything together right before serving.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab your favorite baking dish—something with high enough sides to hug those tomatoes as they roast. Nestle the block of feta right in the center, ready to turn into creamy, tangy goodness.

Step 2: Layer Tomatoes and Flavor

Add your cherry or grape tomatoes around the feta, letting them snuggle up together in the dish. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, then scatter that minced garlic all over. Sprinkle on the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, making sure every tomato gleams with seasoning. Gently toss the tomatoes in the oil and seasonings without disturbing the feta so you get a harmonious flavor with every bite.

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Slide the dish into your hot oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes have popped and blistered, and the block of feta is soft, melty, and lightly golden on top. The kitchen smells incredible at this point—trust me!

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While your feta and tomatoes become their best selves in the oven, cook your chosen pasta in a big pot of salted boiling water. Aim for al dente so it holds its shape once mixed. Be sure to scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining—the starchy liquid will help marry the sauce later.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the feta and tomatoes are out of the oven, grab a spoon and mix everything together right in the baking dish. The tomatoes should burst into a thick, savory sauce while the feta breaks down, leaving glorious swirls of creamy, tangy cheese throughout. Don’t be afraid to mash those tomatoes a bit for extra sauciness!

Step 6: Toss Pasta and Finish with Basil

Add your hot, drained pasta straight into the dish. Toss everything together, loosening with splashes of the reserved pasta water as needed until everything is lusciously coated. Finally, fold in heaps of chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately while the aroma is at its brightest!

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Garnishes

This pasta is already full of color and flavor, but a few finishing touches make it extra special. Try a generous sprinkle of extra basil, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch. If you like it extra zesty, a squeeze of fresh lemon or more red pepper flakes brings a whole new dimension to the Baked Feta Pasta.

Side Dishes

Baked Feta Pasta is sturdy enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light salads or crusty bread. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, simple roasted veggies, or a warm, garlicky baguette on the side makes this a feast familiar enough for family dinners and impressive enough for guests.

Creative Ways to Present

Change up your presentation and wow your crew by serving Baked Feta Pasta family-style, piled high in a pretty serving bowl, or even in individual mini casseroles for a fun twist. Take it picnic-style by packing it warm in a thermos, or use it as a base for grilled chicken or shrimp. You can also try skewering roasted tomatoes and cubes of feta atop the pasta for a playful, party-ready starter!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Baked Feta Pasta keeps surprisingly well! Cool it to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days—just remember, the texture will be creamier when freshly made, but the flavors continue to meld beautifully with time.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed right away, Baked Feta Pasta can be frozen if you have extras. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container, making sure it’s sealed tightly. Freeze for up to two months. The sauce may separate a bit when thawed, but a quick stir during reheating helps bring back creamy consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to your pasta (this helps restore its silky sauce), then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, pop it in the microwave, covered, in short bursts, stirring in between until piping hot. Add a bit more fresh basil if you have some—it refreshes the flavors perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?

A block of feta melts more smoothly and gives you that luscious, creamy texture, but in a pinch, high-quality crumbled feta will still work for Baked Feta Pasta. Just make sure to mound it in the center and avoid pre-crumbled cheeses that often include anti-caking agents.

Is Baked Feta Pasta gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite certified gluten-free pasta, and you’ll have a dish that is every bit as creamy, savory, and satisfying as the original version.

Can I add protein or vegetables?

You sure can. Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or even canned white beans for extra protein. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, peppers, or baby spinach are delicious additions—just fold them in at the end for a heartier take on Baked Feta Pasta.

What should I do if my sauce seems too thick?

This is where that reserved pasta water comes in! Stir in a little at a time until you reach your perfect creamy consistency. The starch in the water helps bring everything together beautifully.

Can I make Baked Feta Pasta vegan?

Yes! Use a vegan feta alternative and your favorite dairy-free pasta, and double-check that your other ingredients are all plant-based. Vegan versions still give you that satisfying, tangy, creamy finish—it’s a great way to enjoy this dish with everyone at your table.

Final Thoughts

If there’s ever been a reason to preheat your oven and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something swoon-worthy, Baked Feta Pasta is it. Let those simple ingredients come together into something extraordinary—one bite and you’ll understand why this dish is such a favorite. Go ahead and give it a whirl; you may just find yourself making it on repeat!

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This delicious Baked Feta Pasta is a viral TikTok sensation that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Creamy feta cheese, roasted cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic come together to create a rich and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 ounces pasta of choice (such as penne or fusilli)

Baked Feta:

1 block (8 ounces) feta cheese
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the feta: Place the feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Add the cherry tomatoes around the cheese and drizzle with olive oil.
Season: Sprinkle with garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden on top.
Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
Combine: Remove the dish from the oven, stir the feta and tomatoes until creamy. Add pasta, toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Stir in basil.