Dreamy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe: A Cheesy Dinner Wonder

Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this viral feta pasta recipe took the internet by storm with its simple yet irresistible charm.

Social media platforms buzzed with excitement as home cooks discovered the magic of baking feta cheese alongside ripe tomatoes.

The dish emerges straight from the oven bubbling and golden, promising a mouthwatering experience that’s both easy and elegant.

Mediterranean ingredients meld together in a symphony of taste that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

Each bite promises a rich, tangy explosion of flavors that transforms ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

Comfort and culinary creativity dance on your plate, inviting you to savor every delicious moment.

Prepare to fall in love with this game-changing recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

• Feta Cheese: Creamy Mediterranean cheese that creates a rich, tangy sauce when baked, choose a high-quality block with smooth texture and authentic Greek origin.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and warmth, select fresh cloves with firm, plump appearance.
• Oregano: Herbaceous Mediterranean seasoning that provides earthy undertones, opt for dried herbs with vibrant green color.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity, choose bright red flakes for maximum flavor intensity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and elevates dish, use freshly ground black pepper for best results.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy base that bursts during baking, select ripe, firm tomatoes with bright color and no blemishes.
• Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps ingredients roast beautifully, choose extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that provides fresh finish, select leaves with deep green color and no wilting.
• Lemon Zest: Brings citrusy brightness and cuts through richness, use fresh lemons with vibrant, unblemished skin.
• Pasta: Provides hearty base for creamy sauce, choose short pasta like rotini or penne that captures sauce well.

What You Need For Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

• Large baking dish: Essential for roasting tomatoes and feta together, creating the base of this delicious sauce.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for mincing garlic and chopping fresh basil with precision.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for mashing tomatoes and feta, and mixing pasta into the creamy sauce.
• Large pot: Necessary for boiling pasta to perfect al dente texture.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Grater: Useful for zesting lemon to add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurately portioning spices and seasonings.

Simple Steps For Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

• Fire Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a sizzling 400F (200C), getting ready for a flavor explosion.

• Create Your Cheesy Canvas

Drop a chunk of feta right in the center of a baking dish, surrounding it with juicy cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes all over, then drizzle with olive oil for extra magic.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes. Watch those tomatoes burst and the feta turn golden and dreamy.

• Pasta Power

Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Before draining, snag a splash of pasta water – this secret weapon helps create a silky sauce.

• Blend The Goodness

Pull out the baking dish and go wild, mashing the soft feta and burst tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Toss in the pasta and mix everything together. Add a bit of that reserved pasta water if you want to smooth things out.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle fresh basil and lemon zest over the top. Serve steaming hot and get ready to dive into pure deliciousness.

Tips For Baked Feta Pasta Recipe Perfection

• Foolproof Feta Pasta Tricks: Top Tips & Twists
• Tomato Selection Magic: Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for the best burst of flavor and juiciness during baking.
• Cheese Quality Matters: Use authentic Greek feta for a creamier, more authentic taste that melts perfectly in the dish.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – from mild to fiery hot.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta for a diet-friendly version.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for extra protein and a more substantial meal.

How To Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

• Pasta Night Perfection: Serving suggestions that elevate this delicious dish.
• Fresh Herb Sprinkle: Chop extra basil or parsley to add a bright, aromatic finish right before serving.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, crispy shrimp, or crumbled Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
• Crunch Factor: Scatter toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs over the pasta to add delightful texture and nutty flavor.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy richness.

How To Store Baked Feta Pasta Recipe Easily

• Quick Batch Prep: Whip up multiple servings in advance, storing unbaked components separately in airtight containers for easy weeknight dinners. Refrigerate tomato and feta mixture up to 2 days before baking.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Portion cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, keeping for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently with splash of pasta water to restore creamy texture.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining pasta into cold salad by adding fresh cucumber, extra herbs, and drizzle of olive oil. Enjoy chilled as refreshing lunch option within 3-4 days of initial preparation.
• Smart Portioning: Pack individual servings in meal prep containers for grab-and-go lunches. Use glass containers to maintain pasta's quality and prevent sauce absorption during storage. Label with date to track freshness.

Viral Feta Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Viral Finnish baked feta pasta promises creamy Mediterranean magic with minimal ingredients. Tangy cheese melts into sweet tomatoes, creating a simple yet irresistible dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
• 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position oven rack at center and heat to 400F (200C) for optimal roasting conditions.
2. Flavor Composition: Situate feta block centrally in baking dish, surrounding with cherry tomatoes. Disperse minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper across tomato landscape. Cascade olive oil generously to amplify flavor profile.
3. Roasting Stage: Introduce dish to preheated oven, allowing 25-30 minutes of uncovered roasting. Observe tomatoes transforming into burst treasures while feta softens and edges turn golden.
4. Pasta Integration: Simultaneously cook pasta in boiling water per package instructions. Reserve small quantity of starchy cooking liquid before draining, creating potential sauce enhancement mechanism.
5. Sauce Development: Remove roasted dish from oven, gently crushing feta and tomatoes into creamy sauce. Incorporate cooked pasta, folding thoroughly. Adjust sauce consistency by introducing reserved pasta water if needed.
6. Finishing Touch: Garnish with torn basil leaves and delicate lemon zest. Serve immediately to capture peak Mediterranean flavor harmony.

Notes

• Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor burst and caramelization during roasting.
• Feta Quality Matters: Select high-quality, creamy feta block that melts smoothly and creates a rich, velvety sauce.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable taste experience.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve pasta water as a secret weapon to control sauce consistency, preventing dryness and creating silky texture.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg