Viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

The Viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, flavour-packed dish that took the internet by storm. It features baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes, transformed into a luscious sauce, then tossed with pasta and finished with fresh basil. It’s an incredibly simple recipe that delivers restaurant-worthy results.

Ingredients

• 500g pasta (fusilli, penne, or any short pasta)
• 1 block (200g) feta cheese (traditional or plant-based if preferred)
• 500g cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes (optional, for a hint of spice)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

1. Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Prepare a medium-sized baking dish large enough to hold the feta and tomatoes in a single layer.

2. Assemble the Feta and Tomatoes

1. Place the feta cheese block in the centre of the baking dish.
2. Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and feta, ensuring everything is well coated.
4. Sprinkle with dried oregano, chilli flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

3. Bake

1. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst, release their juices, and the feta is golden and soft.

4. Cook the Pasta

1. While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.

5. Mash the Feta and Tomatoes

1. Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven.
2. Use a fork or spatula to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
3. Stir in the minced garlic (if using) for extra depth of flavour.

6. Combine with Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss until evenly coated in the sauce.
2. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle the dish with fresh basil leaves and toss lightly.
2. Serve immediately, with extra chilli flakes or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Pasta

• Choose quality ingredients: The simplicity of this dish means the flavours rely heavily on the quality of the feta, tomatoes, and olive oil.
• Experiment with herbs: Add thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
• Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Roast garlic: Place whole garlic cloves in the baking dish with the tomatoes for sweet, caramelised garlic flavour.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta without changing any other steps.

This Viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta is a crowd-pleaser that comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavour. With its creamy feta-tomato sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and fresh basil garnish, it’s no wonder this dish became an internet sensation. Enjoy!