Roasted Tomato and Feta Pasta

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary journey! This incredibly flavorful pasta dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s a global sensation that took social media by storm, particularly rocketing to viral fame on TikTok. Made with a surprisingly simple list of just 7 core ingredients, this enhanced, extra-cheesy rendition of Baked Feta Pasta has quickly cemented its place as a cherished family favorite in countless homes, including ours. Get ready to discover why this vibrant, comforting meal will become a staple in your kitchen too.

My first encounter with the concept of Baked Feta Pasta was through Feel Good Foodie’s captivating rendition. From the moment I saw it, I was intrigued. As glowing reviews and countless recreations flooded my social media feeds, my curiosity grew into a determination to try it. After a few months of admiring from afar, I finally put it to the test. What started as an experiment quickly transformed into an obsession, and I can confidently say that this dish has been a constant presence in my home ever since that first delicious bite.

Having prepared Baked Feta Pasta for well over a year now, I’ve had ample opportunity to truly master its nuances. I’ve explored various ingredient substitutions, experimented with different cooking techniques, and fine-tuned my own subtle tweaks to enhance its already fantastic flavor profile. This particular recipe represents my refined version of the viral sensation, designed to deliver an even richer, extra-cheesy experience, coupled with the delightfully toasty notes of baked feta and the irresistible burst of blistered, caramelized tomatoes.

It’s my sincere hope that this easy, flavorful, and wholesome meal will secure a regular spot on your weekly meal plan, just as it has in our home. With its vibrant flavors, straightforward preparation, and reliance on simple, whole food ingredients, there’s truly nothing not to love about this incredible pasta dish. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary.

The Irresistible Allure of Baked Feta Pasta: Why This Dish Captured Millions of Hearts

What makes Baked Feta Pasta more than just another dinner recipe? It’s the perfect storm of simplicity, flavor, and sheer versatility. This dish isn’t merely a fleeting trend; it’s a culinary revelation that resonates with busy home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Here’s a closer look at why you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this recipe and want to make it again and again:

1. Effortlessly Meatless, Wholesomely Satisfying: This dish stands proudly as a delicious vegetarian meal, bursting with fresh, bright flavors that satisfy even the most ardent meat-eaters. It proves that a meat-free dinner can be just as hearty and fulfilling as any traditional meat-and-potatoes spread, without compromising on taste or texture.
2. A Celebration of Freshness: The magic of Baked Feta Pasta lies in its star ingredients. Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes roast to perfection, releasing their natural sugars and creating a luscious sauce. Salty, tangy feta cheese melts into creamy submission, while aromatic fresh basil adds a final, vibrant flourish. These simple, high-quality ingredients are the backbone of its incredible taste.
3. Picky-Eater Approved (Sneaky Veggie Power!): Dealing with selective eaters can be a challenge, but this recipe offers a clever solution. Once roasted, the cherry tomatoes soften and break down, blending seamlessly into the creamy feta sauce. Most children, and even some adults, won’t even realize they’re enjoying a generous portion of vegetables, making it a fantastic way to introduce more goodness into their diet.
4. Your Go-To Last-Minute Meal Solution: Life gets busy, and sometimes dinner needs to happen fast. Baked Feta Pasta is your culinary superhero on those hectic weeknights. The ingredients are incredibly easy to find at any grocery store, and there’s no need for lengthy thawing or complex prep. From pantry to plate, it’s designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it the ultimate impromptu dinner.

Essential Ingredients for Your Viral Feta Pasta Masterpiece

Creating this iconic dish requires a handful of accessible ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of flavors. Quality matters, so choose the freshest and best you can find to truly elevate your Baked Feta Pasta experience.

• Feta Cheese: Without a doubt, feta is the star of this show! While standard 8oz (227g) blocks work perfectly, I often opt for a generous 10oz (285g) portion when buying in bulk. More feta means more irresistible creaminess and tangy flavor. Look for a block of genuine Greek feta packed in brine for the most authentic taste and best melting consistency.
• Cherry Tomatoes: You’ll need approximately 2 pints of fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes, which equates to roughly 4 ⅓ cups. These small, sweet gems are crucial as they burst and caramelize during baking, forming the base of your rich sauce. Don’t substitute with larger tomatoes; cherry tomatoes offer the ideal balance of sweetness and moisture.
• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil is indispensable for this recipe. Its fruity, peppery notes not only help roast the tomatoes to perfection but also perfectly complement the savory feta and sweet tomatoes, adding depth and richness to the final sauce.
• Pasta: This recipe typically calls for 8oz of dry pasta. The beauty of this dish is its flexibility with pasta shapes. I highly recommend selecting a medium to large-sized pasta with ridges or curves. Shapes like rigatoni or cavatappi are excellent choices as their texture allows them to capture and hold onto every drop of that incredible sauce, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is non-negotiable for that authentic, aromatic touch. While dried basil can be used in a pinch and still yields a tasty result, the vibrant, sweet, and slightly peppery notes of fresh basil are what truly elevate this dish, giving it that “weak in the knees” flavor that sets it apart.
• Garlic: Just a few cloves of freshly minced garlic are added at a specific stage to maximize flavor. Adding it after baking, when the feta and tomatoes are piping hot, allows the residual heat to mellow its raw bite while preserving its potent, delicious essence, infusing the entire dish with aromatic warmth.
• Salt and Pepper: A simple seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper is all that’s needed. Remember that feta cheese is naturally salty, so season the tomatoes first, then adjust the overall seasoning once the dish is assembled. Let the inherent quality of your fresh ingredients do the heavy lifting in terms of flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Baked Feta Pasta

Once you prepare this straightforward recipe, you’ll be eager to recreate it time and again. It’s remarkably simple to execute, yet the resulting flavors are complex and deeply satisfying. Its viral status on TikTok wasn’t just luck; it was a testament to its undeniable deliciousness and ease of preparation.

Prepping and Roasting Your Flavor Base

To begin, gather your fresh cherry tomatoes. Place them into a 9X13 inch baking dish, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. A broiler-safe dish is preferable for an extra layer of flavor later on.

Next, generously pour the extra virgin olive oil over the cherry tomatoes. Gently toss them to ensure each tomato is lightly and evenly coated in the oil. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable blistered texture and rich, roasted flavor.

Lightly season the olive oil-coated tomatoes with salt and pepper. Remember that feta cheese is naturally salty, so use a discerning hand here. Toss gently once more to evenly distribute the seasoning, preparing them for roasting.

Create a clear space in the very center of the arranged tomatoes. Carefully place an 8-10oz (227-285g) block of feta cheese directly into this well. The feta will melt beautifully into the tomatoes, creating a creamy, tangy sauce.

Baking the Feta and Tomatoes

Position your baking dish into an oven that has been preheated to a hot 425ºF (218ºC). Allow it to bake for a solid 30-35 minutes. During this time, the cherry tomatoes will soften, burst, and begin to blister, while the feta cheese will soften and start to develop a lovely golden-brown crust around the edges, intensifying its savory notes.

While your feta and tomatoes are baking to perfection, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions, aiming for an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, set your oven to “broil” for an additional 2-3 minutes. This quick burst of intense heat will further blister the tomatoes and create wonderfully toasted, browned edges on the feta. Keep a very close eye on the dish during this step, as broilers can cook quickly and you want to avoid burning. Remove the dish carefully from the oven using oven mitts as soon as the tomatoes are bubbling and nicely blistered.

Bringing it All Together for a Creamy Finish

This is where the magic truly happens, transforming your roasted ingredients into a harmonious pasta dish:

• Immediately after removing the hot baking dish from the oven, add the 2 minced cloves of garlic and a generous amount of freshly chopped basil. The residual heat will gently cook the garlic, mellowing its bite while infusing its delicious aroma.
• Using a sturdy wooden spoon or fork, begin to crush the softened feta cheese and blistered tomatoes directly in the baking dish. This creates a wonderfully rustic and creamy sauce. Don’t aim for a perfectly smooth consistency; the chunky bits of tomato and feta add to the dish’s charm.
• Once the feta and tomatoes have been broken down into your desired “rustic sauce,” it’s time to incorporate the starches. Add the previously cooked and well-drained pasta directly into the baking dish with the vibrant sauce.
• Stir everything together thoroughly, ensuring that every strand of pasta is beautifully coated in the rich, aromatic feta and tomato mixture.
• For an extra touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
• Serve immediately and prepare to savor every single mouthwatering bite! This dish is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, when the flavors are most vibrant and the sauce is at its creamiest.

Storing Leftovers and Reheating Tips for Baked Feta Pasta

One of the many advantages of Baked Feta Pasta is how wonderfully it keeps, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or enjoying delicious leftovers throughout the week. To store, simply transfer any remaining pasta into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For optimal freshness and flavor, try to consume it within 3-4 days.

Reheating is straightforward, and there are a few methods to choose from. For quick reheating, the microwave works well: heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is heated through. This gentle approach helps prevent the pasta from drying out.

If you prefer using your oven for reheating, especially if you have a larger quantity, add a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth to the baking dish to help rehydrate the sauce. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Place the cold dish into an oven preheated to 350ºF (177ºC) and bake until the pasta is thoroughly heated. Make sure to stir it several times during the reheating process to ensure even warming and to redistribute the sauce.

Alternatively, for a stovetop method, you can reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a few additional tablespoons of water or broth to help loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through, ensuring the pasta regains its creamy texture.

Unlock Maximum Flavor: Expert Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Pasta

While the basic recipe is incredibly simple, incorporating a few expert tips can elevate your Baked Feta Pasta from great to absolutely extraordinary. These insights come from countless batches made and enjoyed, ensuring your dish is consistently packed with flavor and perfect texture:

• Embrace the Broil for Unrivaled Flavor: Don’t skip the broiler step if your baking dish is safe for it! A quick session under the broiler after the initial bake adds an incredible depth of flavor. The high heat caramelizes the blistered tomatoes even further and creates delightful, toasty brown edges on the feta cheese. This slight charring contributes a smoky sweetness that is absolutely delicious and makes a significant difference. If your dish isn’t broiler-safe, don’t worry – you can still achieve extra browning by increasing the oven temperature to 450ºF (232ºC) for an additional 5-7 minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
• Freshness is Key for Unforgettable Taste: This dish truly shines when made with the freshest possible ingredients. Opt for vibrant, ripe cherry tomatoes, plump cloves of garlic, and fragrant bunches of fresh basil. While substitutions can work in a pinch, the superior flavor and aroma of fresh produce are unmatched and will yield the most flavorful finished dish, bringing a brightness that dried alternatives simply can’t replicate.
• The Secret to Perfect Garlic Flavor: The timing of the garlic addition is a subtle but crucial detail. Instead of adding it at the beginning, introduce your minced garlic immediately after the baked feta and cherry tomatoes come out of the oven. The intense residual heat from the dish is just enough to gently cook the garlic, softening its raw pungency while preserving its potent, aromatic flavor. This method ensures the garlic infuses the sauce without becoming bitter or overcooked.

Creative Twists: Delicious Variations for Your Feta Pasta

One of the joys of Baked Feta Pasta is its incredible adaptability. Once you master the basic recipe, you can easily customize it with additional ingredients to suit your taste, dietary preferences, or simply to add variety. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your next culinary creation:

With Spinach: For a boost of greens and added nutrition, stir in about 2 heaping handfuls of fresh baby spinach at the same time you add the fresh basil. The intense heat from the freshly baked tomatoes and feta will quickly wilt the spinach, allowing it to seamlessly blend into the creamy sauce without needing extra cooking.

With Gnocchi: If you’re a fan of pillowy potato pasta, try substituting 1 ½ pounds (750g) of packaged gnocchi for the dry pasta in this recipe. Cook the gnocchi according to its package directions until tender, then add it to the feta and tomato mixture. The gnocchi will absorb the rich sauce beautifully, offering a different texture profile.

With Chickpea Pasta (Gluten-Free & Protein-Packed): Looking to increase protein and fiber or make the dish gluten-free? I’ve personally tested this recipe with chickpea pasta, and it’s absolutely delicious! Simply substitute your regular pasta with chickpea pasta in a 1:1 ratio (8oz). It holds up well to the sauce and provides a satisfying, nutritious alternative.

With Crumbled Feta: If you can’t find a block of feta cheese, don’t let that deter you! You can certainly use crumbled feta instead. To ensure it melts into a cohesive sauce, use your hands to tightly pack the crumbles into a mound in the center of the baking dish before roasting. This will help them melt together more effectively.

With Chicken: Adding protein makes this dish even more robust. However, due to the density and cooking time required for raw chicken breasts, it’s challenging to cook them directly in the baking dish with the tomatoes and feta without overcrowding or uneven cooking. For the best results, I recommend seasoning and cooking 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts separately (e.g., pan-fried, grilled, or baked). Once cooked, slice the chicken breasts and stir them into the pasta, tomato, and feta mixture just before serving.

With Shrimp: Similar to chicken, shrimp benefits from separate cooking to avoid releasing too much water into the sauce and ensure perfect doneness. Sauté your shrimp with a little butter or olive oil until they are just cooked through and pink. Set them aside, then add them into the dish after the feta and tomatoes have been mixed into a sauce and the pasta has been incorporated.

Using Canned Tomatoes: While fresh cherry tomatoes offer the best flavor, you can use 2 (15oz) cans of good quality canned *cherry* tomatoes (drained) in a pinch. It’s crucial to use canned cherry tomatoes specifically, as standard diced tomatoes simply don’t possess the same sweetness or flavor profile, and you might be disappointed with the outcome. Fresh is always superior, but canned cherry tomatoes are a viable alternative.

Choosing the Perfect Pasta for Your Baked Feta Dish

One of the truly wonderful aspects of this easy recipe is its forgiving nature when it comes to pasta choices. You can virtually use any pasta you have readily available in your pantry, making it incredibly versatile. Since the pasta is measured by weight (8oz/227g), adapting to different shapes is a straightforward task.

However, for an optimal experience that ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, I highly recommend opting for medium-cut pasta shapes that feature ridges or ample surface area. These textures are not just for aesthetics; they are designed to trap and cling onto the rich, creamy feta and tomato sauce. Many high-quality imported Italian pasta brands, for instance, are known for their ridged surfaces, and in my opinion, investing in them for this dish is absolutely worth it for the superior sauce-holding capabilities they offer.

Top Pasta Shapes for Absorbing That Delicious Sauce:

• Rigatoni: Its large, ridged tubes are perfect for scooping up generous amounts of sauce.
• Cavatappi: The corkscrew shape and ridges make it an excellent choice for clinging to every bit of the creamy sauce.
• Rotini: Similar to fusilli, its spirals are fantastic for trapping sauce within their twists and turns.
• Fusilli: These tight spirals are champions at capturing rich, chunky sauces, ensuring maximum flavor.
• Farfalle (Bow Tie): The distinct shape creates pockets for the sauce, and its texture provides a satisfying bite.
• Penne: A classic choice, its tubular shape and often ridged exterior are great for holding sauces.
• Mafalda: With its long, wavy ribbons, mafalda (or reginette) adds a touch of elegance and has ample surface area for the sauce.

A note about macaroni: While some may consider using elbow macaroni, I personally find it less ideal for this particular recipe. Its small, smooth, curved shape tends to pair better with thick, heavy sauces (like in mac and cheese) rather than the rustic, chunkier sauce of baked feta pasta. I worry there might not be enough surface area or texture to properly hold the sauce, potentially leading to a less flavorful pasta-to-sauce ratio. If you’re trying Baked Feta Pasta for the first time, I strongly suggest sticking to one of the recommended pasta types above before experimenting with macaroni to ensure you experience the dish in its most delicious form.

Explore More Easy Dinner Ideas

• One Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken
• Instant Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
• Sheet Pan Sausage and Peppers
• Air Fryer Salmon Patties
• Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Chicken

Baked Feta Pasta

One taste of this flavorful baked feta pasta and you’ll understand why it went viral!

Rating: 4.72 from 21 votes

Course: Main Dishes | Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings | Calories: 663 kcal

Author: Dorothy Bigelow

Ingredients

• 2 pints cherry tomatoes (4 ⅓ cups)
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 (8-10 oz) block feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup chopped fresh basil leaves

For the Pasta

• 8 oz dried pasta (medium cut)
• Boiling salted water

US Customary – Metric (Note: unit conversion links are not functional in static HTML)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425ºF (218ºC).
2. Add the cherry tomatoes to a large broiler-safe 9X13” baking dish, then pour in the olive oil.
3. Add salt and pepper to your taste (remember that feta is quite salty), and toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil to coat them completely.
4. Make a well in the center of the baking dish big enough for the block of feta cheese and place it in the middle.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes blister and the feta begins to brown.
6. When there are 10-15 minutes left in the baking time, fill a large pot with hot water and add a generous amount of salt.
7. Bring the water to a boil, then add in your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
8. When the pasta is al dente, drain it in a colander over the sink and place a plate on top to keep it warm.
9. Once your initial baking time is up, set the oven to “broil.” Only do this if you have a broiler-safe pan. If not, you can just bake for an additional 5-10 minutes at an increased heat of 450ºF (232ºC) if desired to achieve some browning.
10. Broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on the pan. It is ready as soon as it becomes bubbly and most tomatoes have blisters.
11. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven, then add in 2 minced garlic cloves.
12. Use the bottom of a wooden spoon or a fork to break up the tomatoes and feta, combining it into a creamy and chunky “sauce” along with the garlic.
13. Add in the fresh basil and stir to combine.
14. Finally, add in the cooked pasta and stir until it is coated in the feta and cherry tomato mixture.
15. Serve with additional fresh basil (if desired), and enjoy!

Notes

Adapted from: Baked Feta Pasta (with Cherry Tomatoes) – Feel Good Foodie

Storing: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. For the best results, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals. You could also reheat it in a saucepan on the stovetop with 1-2 tablespoons of water added, OR covered in the oven at 350ºF (177ºC) until heated through.

Substitutions:

• Pasta: Use 8oz (225g) of your favorite pasta to make this recipe. Medium-sized types are best (fusili, rotini, cavatappi, etc.). You could also substitute your favorite gluten-free or chickpea pasta if you are gluten-free.
• Tomatoes: You could use 2 (15oz) cans of good quality canned cherry tomatoes (drained) in place of the tomatoes in this recipe, but fresh is best. Regular diced tomatoes won’t cut it.
• Basil: Use 2 teaspoons of dried basil as a substitute for fresh if you cannot find fresh basil.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1g | Calories: 663kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 23g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 757mg | Potassium: 694mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1532IU | Vitamin C: 55mg | Calcium: 359mg | Iron: 3mg

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