TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

$- Block of feta cheese - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil You start with a block of feta cheese. It provides a creamy base. The cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color. Minced garlic adds depth to the flavor. Olive oil keeps everything moist and rich. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper, to taste Seasonings are key to making this dish pop. Dried oregano gives a warm, herby flavor. Crushed red pepper flakes add a little heat if you like spice. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper for balance. - 12 oz pasta of choice (penne or fusilli work great!) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (plus more for garnish) - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional) Choosing the right pasta matters. Penne or fusilli hold the sauce well. Fresh basil adds brightness and aroma. Grated Parmesan is optional but adds a nice touch to finish your dish. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. - Mince the garlic cloves. - In a large baking dish, mix the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. - Add the dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the dish. Stir well. - Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the mixture. Drizzle a bit more olive oil on top. - Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should blister, and the feta will become golden and soft. - While the feta and tomatoes bake, boil a pot of water. - Add your pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. - Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. - Take the baking dish out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together. This creates a creamy sauce. - Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. - Fold in the torn fresh basil leaves, mixing until evenly distributed. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious meal! To make the best Baked Feta Pasta, start with high-quality feta cheese. Look for a block of feta packed in brine. It has better flavor and creaminess. Avoid pre-crumbled feta, as it lacks that rich taste. For blistered tomatoes, choose ripe cherry tomatoes. They should be firm and vibrant in color. When you bake them, the heat will enhance their sweetness. Spread them out evenly in your baking dish. This helps them cook well and blister nicely. To boost flavor, consider adding olives or sun-dried tomatoes. Both add depth and a salty kick. You might also try adding spinach or kale for extra greens. Adjust the spice level based on your taste. If you like heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder dish, skip them or use just a pinch. Pair Baked Feta Pasta with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with lemon dressing works great. Garlic bread also complements the meal nicely, adding a crunchy side. For plating, use a large bowl. Toss the pasta and sauce well before serving. Garnish with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a pop of color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! {{image_2}} You can make this dish even better by adding more veggies. Try bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just chop them up and toss them in with the tomatoes. This will give your pasta more color and flavor. If you want to switch out the feta, consider using goat cheese or ricotta. Both will add a creamy texture. Each cheese brings a unique taste to the dish, so feel free to experiment. For a heartier meal, think about adding chicken or shrimp. Simply cook them before mixing them in. This will make your pasta more filling and delightful. If you prefer plant-based proteins, try chickpeas or lentils. They are nutritious and tasty. Just add them in with the pasta for a boost of protein. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great choices that cook well. You won’t lose any flavor with this swap. You can also modify other ingredients. Check the labels on your feta and olive oil to ensure they fit your needs. Always read the ingredients to stay safe. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. In the fridge, expect the pasta to last about 3 to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for the best results. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or plastic wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps to keep the flavors rich and creamy. You can also reheat on the stove. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. For long-term storage, you can freeze the baked feta pasta. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat using the microwave or stovetop method. Enjoy a tasty meal anytime! TikTok Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy dish that took the internet by storm. It first appeared in Finland in 2020. The recipe went viral on TikTok due to its simple steps and tasty flavor. It features feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, creating a rich sauce. The creamy texture and bright taste make it a favorite for many. Yes, you can prepare Baked Feta Pasta ahead of time. Start by cooking the pasta and baking the feta and tomatoes. Once done, let everything cool. Store the pasta and sauce separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, just heat it up on the stove. This makes it easy for busy days or meal prep. You can pair this dish with many sides. Here are some great ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - A fresh green salad for a light bite - Roasted veggies to add more flavor - A glass of white wine for a nice drink This recipe is not vegan, but you can make it vegan-friendly! Use plant-based feta cheese instead. You can also swap dairy pasta for gluten-free or whole grain pasta. With these changes, you can enjoy the dish without losing flavor. In this post, we explored the delicious Baked Feta Pasta recipe. We discussed key ingredients like feta cheese, tomatoes, and garlic. I shared step-by-step instructions to create a creamy sauce, along with tips to enhance flavors. You can adapt the dish with proteins or veggies, making it versatile for all diets. Remember to store leftovers properly for maximum freshness. Enjoy this simple yet tasty meal that everyone loves. Dive in, get cooking, and savor your creation!$

Savor the delightful flavors of creamy tomato basil baked feta pasta! This easy recipe combines rich feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant basil for a cozy dish that's perfect for any meal. Just bake the ingredients together for a deliciously creamy sauce that coats your favorite pasta. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is a must-try! Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy a taste of Italy at home!

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Ingredients

1 block (8 oz) of feta cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

12 oz pasta of choice (penne or fusilli work great!)

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn (plus more for garnish)

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large baking dish, add the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture and drizzle with a little more olive oil.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and soft.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until well coated.

Fold in the torn fresh basil leaves, mixing until evenly distributed.

Serve hot, garnished with additional basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4