Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Baked Feta Pasta has taken the internet by storm, and it’s no surprise why. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple ingredients, yet the result is a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta that will satisfy any craving. This trend has become a fan-favorite because it’s versatile, customizable, and makes for a show-stopping meal.

The magic happens when you bake a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and seasoning, then toss it all together with cooked pasta. The feta melts into a creamy sauce, and the tomatoes burst, releasing their juices into the mix. The resulting dish is a comforting and indulgent pasta that pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

In this comprehensive recipe, we’ll break down each step to help you recreate this dish in your kitchen. Along with the standard method, we’ll include tips, tricks, variations, and a little bit of history to ensure you create the best Baked Feta Pasta every time.

Why You’ll Love Baked Feta Pasta

1. Simple Ingredients: This dish requires only a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
2. Effortless Preparation: The preparation involves minimal effort—just assemble the ingredients and bake!
3. Customizable: You can tweak the recipe by adding vegetables, proteins, or changing up the seasonings to suit your taste.
4. Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of roasted feta cheese, sweet tomatoes, and olive oil creates a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to beat.
5. Perfect for Weeknight Dinners: Baked Feta Pasta is quick to make, making it an ideal meal for busy nights when you want something satisfying and easy.

The Origins of Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta has its roots in Finland and went viral thanks to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. In 2020, a Finnish blogger shared a recipe that paired feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs, all baked together and then tossed with pasta. The simplicity and flavor of the dish quickly caught on, and it became a global sensation.

While the original recipe was quite simple, food enthusiasts began making their own adaptations, adding ingredients like garlic, olives, spinach, and different types of cheese. Despite these variations, the basic formula of feta, tomatoes, and pasta remains at the heart of this beloved dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures that the feta and tomatoes bake to perfection, creating a creamy sauce.
2. Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a similar-sized oven-safe dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the ingredients from sticking.

Step 2: Assemble the Ingredients in the Baking Dish

1. Add the feta cheese: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of your baking dish. You don’t need to crumble it; just leave it whole. The feta will melt beautifully into the sauce during baking.
2. Add the tomatoes: Surround the feta with cherry or grape tomatoes. You can leave them whole, as they will burst and release their juices during baking.
3. Season the dish: Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss gently: Give everything a gentle toss to coat the tomatoes and feta with the olive oil and seasonings. Make sure the feta is surrounded by the tomatoes and oil for even cooking.

Step 3: Bake the Feta and Tomatoes

1. Bake in the oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the tomatoes burst open and the feta has softened and become slightly golden on top.
2. Check for doneness: The feta should be soft and slightly golden, while the tomatoes will be juicy and beginning to collapse. If you want a slightly firmer feta, check around the 20-minute mark.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Drain the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Keep the pasta water in case you need it to adjust the consistency of the sauce later.

Step 5: Combine the Feta and Tomatoes with the Pasta

1. Mash the feta and tomatoes: Once the feta and tomatoes have finished baking, remove them from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta cheese and burst tomatoes together to create a creamy, slightly chunky sauce.
2. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish with the feta and tomatoes. Use tongs or a spoon to toss everything together, making sure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
3. Adjust the consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. This step ensures the pasta is creamy and easy to mix.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve immediately: Baked Feta Pasta is best enjoyed right away, while the sauce is still warm and creamy. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Baked Feta Pasta

1. Use high-quality feta: The quality of your feta cheese plays a major role in the final flavor. Look for a block of feta, preferably from Greece, as it will be more flavorful and creamy compared to pre-crumbled varieties.
2. Choose the right pasta: While any pasta works, thick, sturdy shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are ideal because they can hold up to the creamy sauce. Spaghetti and linguine are also great choices, but tend to have a lighter sauce coverage.
3. Add some acidity: For added depth of flavor, consider drizzling a bit of balsamic vinegar over the finished dish or serving it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
4. Don’t skip the garlic: Garlic is a crucial element of this dish that helps balance the creaminess of the feta. Don’t skimp on it!
5. Make it a one-pan dish: To simplify clean-up, you can cook your pasta directly in the baking dish if you have a large oven-safe one. Add the uncooked pasta along with the feta and tomatoes, then toss in some extra liquid (like broth or water) to cook the pasta in the oven.
6. Make it spicy: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce or sprinkle chili powder or smoked paprika on top.

Variations of Baked Feta Pasta

1. Creamy Spinach Baked Feta Pasta

• Add fresh spinach to the dish. You can either toss it in with the tomatoes before baking, or stir it in after baking for a pop of green. The spinach will wilt into the creamy sauce, adding extra vitamins and a rich flavor.

2. Add Protein: Grilled Chicken or Shrimp

• Make this dish heartier by adding grilled chicken or shrimp. Simply season and grill your protein of choice, then chop it and toss it with the pasta for added protein.

3. Add Olives and Capers for Mediterranean Flair

• Add Kalamata olives and capers to the dish before baking for a salty, briny kick that complements the rich feta.

4. Make It Gluten-Free

• Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available, including rice or corn-based varieties.

5. Pesto Baked Feta Pasta

• For a fresh twist, add a couple of tablespoons of pesto sauce to the dish before baking. The basil pesto will pair beautifully with the feta and tomatoes.

Conclusion

Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that has won the hearts of home cooks worldwide. With its creamy feta cheese, burst tomatoes, and savory olive oil, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked!

Yield: 4

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Print

Baked Feta Pasta has taken the internet by storm, and it’s no surprise why. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple ingredients, yet the result is a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta that will satisfy any craving. This trend has become a fan-favorite because it’s versatile, customizable, and makes for a show-stopping meal.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) penne or your favorite pasta
• 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   In a large baking dish (around 9x13 inches), place the block of feta cheese in the center. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around the feta.
   
2. Step 2: Season and Bake
   Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes.
   Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper over the dish.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft and blistered, and the feta is golden and melted.
   
3. Step 3: Cook the Pasta
   While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
   
4. Step 4: Mix and Serve
   Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a spoon or fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
   Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
   Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   
5. Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
   Serve the baked feta pasta topped with fresh basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Notes

• Feta Cheese: Traditional Greek feta works best for this recipe, but you can use a mild white cheese if you prefer.
• Pasta Choice: Penne, rigatoni, or rotini are great choices for holding the creamy sauce. Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape.
• Add Protein: For extra protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to the dish.
• Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based feta cheese and dairy-free Parmesan.