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To make this tasty dish, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved - 7 oz (200g) block of feta cheese - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish - Zest and juice of 1 lemon These ingredients work together to create a creamy and flavorful sauce. The feta cheese melts beautifully and blends with the tomatoes. You can add your own twist to this recipe. Here are some optional ingredients you might enjoy: - Fresh spinach or kale for added greens - Cooked chicken or shrimp for protein - Other herbs like oregano or thyme for extra flavor - A splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess Feel free to mix and match these to fit your taste. Making it your own makes cooking fun! If you have any dietary needs, here are some easy swaps: - Use gluten-free pasta if you're avoiding gluten. - Swap feta cheese for a dairy-free cheese to make it vegan. - Try using a different type of pasta, like fusilli or spaghetti, for variety. These substitutions keep the dish tasty while fitting your needs. Enjoy experimenting with the flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather all your ingredients. You will need: - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved - 7 oz (200g) block of feta cheese - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish - Zest and juice of 1 lemon Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting the tomatoes blistered and the feta creamy. While the oven heats up, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Halve each one and place them in a large baking dish. Mince the garlic and sprinkle it over the tomatoes. Add the red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference. Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix to combine. Now, make a space in the center of the tomatoes. Place the block of feta cheese right there. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the feta and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. This helps the feta melt and soak up the flavors. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the tomatoes to blister and the feta to turn golden. The smell will be amazing, and you’ll know it’s ready when the feta is soft. While the baking is happening, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, which means it should still have a little bite. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water helps to create a creamy sauce later. Once the baking is done, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together. It should turn creamy and well mixed. Add the drained pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together. Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency. Finish things off with a squeeze of lemon juice and some lemon zest. Toss in torn basil leaves for freshness and flavor. Serve in bowls, garnished with more basil and a drizzle of olive oil for that gourmet touch. To cook perfect pasta, follow these steps: - Use a large pot of water. - Add plenty of salt before boiling. - Cook pasta until it is al dente, or firm to the bite. - Reserve some pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps to thicken your sauce later. Seasoning is key to making your pasta shine. Here are my top tips: - Use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor. - Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice level. - Don't skip the lemon juice and zest; they brighten the dish. - Fresh basil adds freshness; tear the leaves instead of chopping. These small touches create layers of flavor. To keep your feta tomato pasta fresh: - Let the pasta cool to room temperature. - Store leftovers in an airtight container. - Refrigerate for up to three days. - Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water. This keeps the pasta from drying out. Pro Tips Choose Quality Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality tomatoes and feta cheese will elevate the flavor of your pasta dish significantly. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. Start with less and add more if desired. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is essential for achieving a creamy sauce consistency. Add it gradually until you reach your desired texture. Experiment with Herbs: While basil is a classic choice, try adding other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} To make your pasta creamy, add heavy cream after mixing the tomatoes and feta. Start with half a cup of cream. Stir it in slowly while mixing the pasta. This will give you a rich, smooth sauce. The cream balances the tangy feta. It also adds a lovely texture. This version is great for those who love a luxurious feel in their dishes. You can make this dish even healthier by adding spinach or kale. Just toss in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale. Add these greens to the baking dish before you mix in the pasta. They will wilt nicely while the tomatoes and feta bake. This adds color and nutrition. You can even use frozen spinach if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Want to make this dish heartier? Add chicken or shrimp. For chicken, use cooked, shredded chicken. Stir it in when you mix the pasta. If you prefer shrimp, sauté them in a pan until they turn pink. Add them just before you toss everything together. Both options boost protein and flavor. They make this meal filling while keeping it simple. To keep your leftover TikTok feta tomato pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool down to room temperature first. This helps prevent moisture build-up. Place a layer of plastic wrap over the pasta before sealing the container. This extra step keeps flavors locked in. Leftovers can stay in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the pasta dry. Instead, use a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help bring back moisture. Stir gently until everything is warm. If you must use the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir after each burst to keep it even. If you want to freeze your pasta, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The pasta can last up to two months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned for the best taste. TikTok Feta Tomato Pasta became a viral hit due to its simplicity and flavor. The creamy feta and sweet tomatoes create a rich sauce that is easy to make. The dish is quick, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Plus, it uses common ingredients found in most kitchens. Many people enjoy sharing their creations online, making it a fun cooking challenge. Yes, you can make this dish dairy-free! Instead of feta cheese, use a dairy-free feta alternative. Many brands offer plant-based options that melt well. You can also try cashew cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. Just ensure that the other ingredients, like olive oil and tomatoes, are also dairy-free. To adjust the spice level, change the amount of red pepper flakes. If you like it mild, use less or skip it altogether. If you love heat, add more flakes or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add fresh chili peppers for a kick. Just taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. TikTok Feta Tomato Pasta is simple and fun to make. We covered the main ingredients, steps, and useful tips. You can mix in seasonings or swap ingredients to suit your taste. Remember, storing leftovers is easy if done right. Don’t be afraid to explore variations to keep things fresh. I hope you feel inspired to try this dish and make it your own. Cooking is about creativity and enjoying good food.

Feta Fiesta Tomato Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 7 oz block of feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Fresh basil leaves, torn for garnish
  • 1 Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well.
  • Create a space in the center of the tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle a little olive oil over the feta, and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and slightly softened.
  • While the tomato and feta mixture is baking, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  • Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together until creamy and well mixed.
  • Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. Pour in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
  • Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and the lemon zest, and toss in the torn basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve the pasta in bowls, garnishing each with a few additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top adds an extra layer of flavor!
Keyword baked, easy, feta, pasta, tomatoes