Get ready to discover the internet's most addictive pasta recipe that took social media by storm! This mind-blowingly simple yet incredibly delicious TikTok Baked Feta Pasta is about to become your new favorite weeknight meal. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you'll create a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible dish that looks like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant kitchen. Prepare to impress your family and followers with this viral culinary sensation that proves sometimes the most extraordinary meals come from the simplest techniques!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 block feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Select a medium-sized baking dish that will comfortably hold the feta cheese block and cherry tomatoes in a single layer.
- Place the entire block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the feta cheese, creating a colorful and even distribution.
- Drizzle the olive oil generously over the feta and tomatoes, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly across the dish.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and slightly blistered, and the feta is warm and slightly melted.
- While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately mash the feta and tomatoes together using a fork, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly with the sauce.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped, just before serving.
- Serve hot, directly from the baking dish, allowing each person to scoop out their portion.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ingredients: Use fresh cherry tomatoes and a good block of feta for the best flavor.
- Don't skip the olive oil - it helps create a luscious sauce and prevents burning.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like oregano alongside the basil.
- Use a baking dish that allows ingredients to spread in a single layer for even roasting.
- Watch the tomatoes carefully - they should be soft and slightly blistered, not completely burnt.
- Reserve some pasta water to help create a silky, perfect sauce consistency.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes - while spaghetti works great, penne or rotini can add fun texture.
- For a protein boost, add cooked chicken or shrimp to the dish before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently with a splash of olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 75mg
