The Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a perfect blend of creamy feta cheese and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes. The simplicity of this dish is what makes it so appealing, as the feta melts in the oven to form a luscious sauce that pairs beautifully with the burst of flavors from the tomatoes. Tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s a recipe that is not only quick to prepare but also satisfies all your cheesy pasta cravings. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or even for entertaining guests, this viral recipe is sure to impress. You can customize it with your choice of pasta and seasonings, adding protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu if desired. With its Mediterranean-inspired flavors and irresistible aroma, this dish will quickly become a household favorite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped + more for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp oregano
- Pasta of choice (around 12 oz recommended)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place cherry tomatoes into an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle with half of the olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss to evenly combine.
- Create a space in the center for the block of feta cheese and place it in the baking dish. Pour the remaining olive oil over the feta and add more seasoning as desired. Add garlic cloves to the tomatoes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the feta cheese is melted and the tomatoes have burst.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Set it aside once done.
- Once the baking is complete, remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped basil on top. Use a spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together to form a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. Garnish with additional basil and serve.
Prep Time: 7 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 42 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving (based on type of pasta used) | Servings: 6 servings
The Viral Sensation: Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
If you’re active on social media or are a fan of simple, yet flavorful recipes, you’ve probably heard about the Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes. This dish became an internet sensation in early 2021, thanks to its simplicity, taste, and ease of preparation. Originating from a Finnish food blogger’s kitchen, it quickly took over TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, making its way into households worldwide. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this dish is a testament to how simple can be absolutely delicious.
The Ingredients that Make It Special
One of the reasons this recipe stands out is the harmonious blend of flavors and textures it offers. Let’s take a closer look at the key components:
- Feta Cheese: The star of the show! The block of feta cheese, when baked, transforms into a creamy, tangy sauce that pairs wonderfully with the tomatoes and pasta. The block form of feta is preferred over crumbled feta because it melts more evenly and adds a rich, silky texture to the sauce. Additionally, feta cheese has a distinct flavor – salty, tangy, and creamy – that makes it the perfect match for roasted tomatoes.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with flavor, cherry tomatoes are the perfect base for this pasta sauce. As they roast, they become sweet and juicy, creating a rich and flavorful base when combined with the melted feta. Their vibrant color also makes the dish visually appealing.
- Olive Oil & Garlic: Olive oil serves as the binder for the sauce, helping blend all the flavors together. Garlic adds an aromatic depth to the dish, providing a familiar warmth that complements both the feta and the tomatoes. If you love a garlicky punch, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
- Fresh Basil & Seasonings: Basil brings a touch of freshness to the dish and enhances its Mediterranean flavor profile. Seasonings like salt, pepper, and oregano elevate the taste, while optional additions like red pepper flakes can give it a slight kick. The recipe is versatile enough to allow for various seasonings based on personal preference.
- Pasta: While the recipe traditionally uses cavatappi pasta, any pasta you have on hand will work beautifully. Cavatappi, penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will soak up the flavors of the sauce, providing a comforting, hearty base to this dish.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
1. Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano, then toss to coat evenly.
2. Adding the Feta: Create a small well in the center of the dish and place the block of feta cheese in it. Drizzle with more olive oil, add a bit more seasoning, and scatter whole garlic cloves around the tomatoes.
3. Bake: Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta cheese is soft and slightly browned on top. During this time, cook your pasta until it’s al dente, then drain and set aside.
4. Form the Sauce: Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Sprinkle fresh basil on top, and use a spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together until they form a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss until all the noodles are coated with the sauce.
5. Serve & Garnish: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with additional basil leaves. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of richness.
Customizations and Variations
One of the best parts about the Baked Feta Pasta is its adaptability. Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or simply looking to switch things up, there are numerous ways to customize this dish:
- Pasta Alternatives: While traditional wheat pasta is commonly used, you can opt for whole wheat, gluten-free, or even low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to make it more diet-friendly. Each option brings a different texture, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite.
- Different Cheeses: If you’re not a fan of feta or want to try something new, other cheeses like goat cheese, ricotta, or even a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan can be great substitutes. Each cheese brings a unique flavor and consistency to the dish.
- Protein Additions: To make the dish more filling, add proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. These can be cooked separately and mixed in just before serving, enhancing both the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
- Extra Veggies: Bulk up the dish with extra vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Simply add them to the baking dish along with the tomatoes, or sauté them separately before combining with the feta sauce.
- Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the dish before baking, or stir in a spoonful of chili oil before serving. The spice perfectly complements the creaminess of the feta and the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Tips for the Perfect Baked Feta Pasta
- Use a Good Quality Feta: Since feta is the star ingredient, choosing a good quality block of feta cheese is crucial. Look for one that is made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep and goat milk for the best flavor.
- Balance the Saltiness: Feta cheese is naturally salty, so be mindful when adding extra salt to the dish. Start with a little, and adjust after mixing the sauce.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish. If you don’t have basil, fresh parsley or thyme can work as substitutes.
- Serve Immediately: The dish tastes best when served immediately as the sauce is warm and creamy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or olive oil to maintain the creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
While the Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is delicious on its own, it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette can help cut through the richness of the pasta. You could also serve it with a Mediterranean-style salad featuring cucumbers, olives, and red onion.
- Bread: Freshly baked garlic bread or a crusty loaf of sourdough is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. You can also toast some bread slices and rub them with garlic and olive oil for a quick bruschetta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers add a nice crunch and provide a balanced side to the creamy pasta.
- Wine Pairing: For a refreshing beverage pairing, consider a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complements the tanginess of the feta and the acidity of the tomatoes.
Conclusion:
There’s a reason why Baked Feta Pasta has gone viral – it’s incredibly easy to make, uses just a few basic ingredients, and the flavors are absolutely divine. The roasting process enhances the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while mellowing out the saltiness of the feta, creating a beautifully balanced sauce. This dish is not only a great weeknight meal for its quick preparation but also an impressive option for entertaining guests. The creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy sauce pairs perfectly with the pasta, making each bite a delightful experience. It’s a comforting meal that feels gourmet but doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.