New and Improved Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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Cook Time: 40 minutes

This delicious feta and tomato pasta is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. The combination of roasted feta cheese, sweet tomatoes, and basil creates a creamy, savory sauce that pairs wonderfully with cavatappi pasta. Here's how you can make this easy yet satisfying dish.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pints sweet ripe cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 10 ounces feta cheese
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 8 ounces dried cavatappi pasta
• 1/3 cup basil leaves

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 450F (235C).
2. In a 9x12-inch baking pan, pour half of the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and mix it evenly with a spoon.
3. Transfer the tomatoes into the pan and toss them to coat with the garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper. Mix briefly with a spatula, then create a space in the center of the pan for the feta cheese.
4. Place the feta cheese in the center of the pan, drizzle with balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with oregano and chili flakes. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta and tomatoes.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges of the feta cheese are browned and the tomatoes have softened. You should be able to crush them easily with a fork.
6. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. About 7 minutes before the feta is done, add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes.
7. Before draining the pasta, reserve 1/2 to 3/4 cup of pasta cooking water and set it aside. Then, drain the pasta.
8. Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to smash and stir the feta and tomatoes, breaking up the tomato skins as small as possible to create a creamy sauce.
9. Add the fresh basil and a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to the pan. Stir in the hot, drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. Add more pasta water if needed to adjust the texture of the sauce.
10. Serve the pasta with extra fresh basil on top, if desired. Optionally, crumble additional feta cheese over the dish for an extra creamy touch.

Chef's Note

Tearing the basil leaves by hand works best to preserve their flavor. If you prefer to slice them, be sure to use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the leaves, which can cause them to turn black.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 469
• Total Fat: 34g (43% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 13g (66% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 63mg (21% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 792mg (34% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g (10% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 15g (30% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 22mg (24% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 379mg (29% Daily Value)
• Iron: 2mg (10% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 447mg (10% Daily Value)

The Story Behind Baked Feta Pasta

Baked feta pasta, often referred to as the viral TikTok pasta, is a modern twist on traditional Mediterranean cuisine. While feta cheese and tomatoes have long been staples in Greek and Balkan cooking, the method of baking a block of feta with cherry tomatoes and then stirring it into pasta originated only in the early 2020s. The dish gained international fame after a simple video demonstrating the technique went viral, captivating home cooks with its ease and rich flavor. Despite its recent surge in popularity, the recipe reflects centuries-old practices of roasting cheese and vegetables to create naturally creamy sauces.

Regional Variations and Influences

Though baked feta pasta is most often associated with Greek ingredients, regional variations have emerged worldwide. In Greece, feta is typically made from sheep or goat milk, giving the cheese a tangy and slightly crumbly texture. Northern European adaptations sometimes use cows milk feta, which is milder, while Italian versions may substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes or mix in a splash of white wine for extra depth. Even the choice of pasta varies: cavatappi and penne are popular in North America, while Mediterranean cooks might use fusilli or orecchiette to catch more of the luscious sauce.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional tomato cream pastas or pasta al forno, baked feta pasta is distinguished by its simplicity and minimal ingredient approach. Most baked pasta dishes involve layering, gratins, or heavy cream sauces, but this recipe relies on the natural creaminess of roasted feta combined with the juiciness of cherry tomatoes. The quick roasting process not only softens the tomatoes but also infuses the feta with sweet and tangy flavors, creating a sauce that is both fresh and indulgent without added dairy or butter.

Typical Serving Context

Baked feta pasta is highly versatile and can be served in casual or semi-formal settings. It is commonly enjoyed as a comforting weeknight dinner but has also found its way onto brunch menus, bistro specials, and even catered gatherings due to its visually appealing presentation. The dish pairs exceptionally well with a crisp white wine, light salad, or crusty bread, making it suitable for both solo meals and festive occasions.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The original viral recipe reportedly increased global feta cheese sales by over 100% within a few months of its popularity spike.
• Many home cooks discovered that adding balsamic vinegar, garlic, or chili flakes enhances the flavor complexity, which has led to countless personalized variations.
• The dishs viral fame is largely attributed to the one-bake, one-pan simplicity, making it ideal for social media demonstration and home experimentation.
• Some chefs even experiment with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to add more layers of flavor while keeping the core technique intact.

In summary, baked feta pasta combines Mediterranean ingredients with modern convenience, resulting in a creamy, tangy, and visually appealing dish. Its origins are recent, yet it draws on centuries of regional traditions, making it both a contemporary favorite and a nod to classic flavors.

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