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A plate of baked feta pasta, topped with fresh basil leaves and seasoning, ready to eat.

Viral Baked Feta Pasta: 1 Easy Recipe

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May 1, 2025

Okay, confession time! If you’ve been anywhere on the internet lately, you’ve probably seen it – that magical dish where feta and tomatoes just melt into the most incredible, silky sauce. Yep, we’re talking about the viral Baked Feta Pasta! It totally took over my kitchen, and honestly, for good reason. It’s just… wow. It’s one of those “throw it all in a dish and forget about it” kind of meals, which is honestly my favorite way to cook when life gets busy. It’s a vegetarian dream, and the way everything just *comes together* with hardly any effort? Chef’s kiss! It reminds me a lot of the simple, flavorful cooking I grew up with, where a few quality ingredients can really sing.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta

Seriously, this baked feta pasta is a game changer. Here’s why it’s about to become your new go-to:

  • So Easy to Make: You basically just toss everything in a baking dish. That’s it!
  • Minimal Prep Time: Chop chop, dump dump, bake bake. It’s pure magic.
  • Dreamy Creamy Sauce: The feta and tomatoes bake down into the most luscious sauce you’ve ever tasted.
  • Perfect for Any Night: Busy weeknight? Cozy Sunday dinner? Even a casual get-together? It nails them all.

Ingredients for Your Easy Baked Feta Pasta

Okay, let’s get down to what you’ll need for this ridiculously easy baked feta pasta! The beauty is its simplicity. You probably have most of this hiding in your pantry right now. Here’s the rundown:

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes: These little guys burst open and create the most amazing sauce base.
  • 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese: Grab a good quality block of feta packed in brine – it makes all the difference for creaminess!
  • 1/4 cup olive oil: Use a good extra virgin olive oil for that lovely flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a little to season everything up.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked is always best, but ground works too!
  • 1 pound pasta: Any shape you love! Penne, rotini, spaghetti – they all work wonderfully here.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that essential garlicky punch.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil: To finish it off – it adds such a fresh, vibrant flavor.

How to Prepare This Quick Baked Feta Pasta

Alright, this is where the magic really happens, and honestly, it couldn’t be simpler. You’re just a few steps away from the creamiest, dreamiest pasta you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, the smell alone is worth it. Let’s get this easy baked feta pasta party started!

Step 1: Prep and Bake

First things first, get that oven preheating to 400°F (that’s 200°C). Grab a pretty baking dish – I love my ceramic one for this. Dump in your pint of cherry tomatoes, nestle that block of feta right in the middle, then give it all a good drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle on that salt and pepper. Now, pop it into the hot oven for about 30 to 35 minutes, or until those tomatoes have burst open like tiny flavor bombs and the feta is all soft and golden brown around the edges. It’s going to smell amazing!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your feta and tomatoes are having their spa day in the oven, get your pasta cooking! Just follow the package directions – you want it cooked to a perfect al dente. Don’t drain all the water; save a little bit of that starchy pasta water. It’s liquid gold for making the sauce extra silky!

Step 3: Create the Sauce and Combine

Once the feta and tomatoes are perfectly roasted, carefully take the dish out of the oven. Now for the fun part: grab a fork and start mashing! Mash those soft tomatoes and gooey feta together right there in the dish. It’ll transform into the most glorious, creamy sauce. Dump your cooked pasta right into that gorgeous sauce, toss it all together to make sure every single noodle is coated, and stir in that minced garlic and fresh basil. Give it a final stir, and boom! It’s ready.

Tips for the Best Baked Feta Pasta

Okay, so you’ve got the basic idea, but let me tell you, a few little tricks can make this baked feta pasta absolutely sing! First off, try to get a good quality block of feta packed in brine – it’s so much creamier and tastes way better than the crumbles. When you’re mashing, give it a good, vigorous swirl to really get that sauce nice and smooth; don’t be shy! If your oven runs a bit cool, just give it an extra 5 minutes in there; you want those tomatoes to burst!

Ingredient Spotlight: Feta Cheese

Let’s talk feta for a sec, because honestly, it’s the star of the show here. This amazing cheese hails from Greece, and when you bake it, it just melts into this unbelievably creamy, tangy sauce. For the best results in our easy baked feta pasta, try to find a block of feta packed in brine – it’s usually a bit softer and *so* much creamier than the pre-crumbled stuff. It really makes all the difference!

Serving Suggestions for Your Baked Feta Pasta

Now that you’ve got this amazing baked feta pasta ready to go, what should you serve alongside it? Honestly, it’s so creamy and satisfying, it really shines on its own. But if you want to round out the meal, a simple side salad with some peppery arugula and a bright vinaigrette is just perfect. Or, you know, a hunk of crusty bread to sop up any leftover sauce you might have – because you *will* want to sop it up!

Storage and Reheating Your Baked Feta Pasta

Got leftovers of this amazing baked feta pasta? Lucky you! Store any extra pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I find the best way is to pop it back into a moderate oven (around 350°F or 175°C) until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but I like the oven for keeping that sauce nice and creamy. Sometimes a splash of water or milk helps revive it!

Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Feta Pasta

Got questions about this yummy baked feta pasta? I totally get it! It’s such a popular dish, and people always have a few things they’re wondering about. Let’s dive in!

Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Oh, absolutely! The beauty of this easy baked feta pasta is that it’s super versatile. While penne or rotini are classics, I’ve made it with spaghetti, farfalle, even shells, and it’s always delicious. Just cook your pasta of choice according to the package directions, and remember to reserve a little of that starchy pasta water!

What else can I add to baked feta pasta?

You can totally jazz up this baked feta pasta! A handful of fresh spinach wilted in at the end is lovely, or some sun-dried tomatoes for an extra punch of flavor. Some people even add roasted red peppers or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’s all about making it your own!

Is this recipe naturally gluten-free?

This baked feta pasta is *almost* gluten-free! The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free. You just need to use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta, and you’re golden. It’s a simple swap that works beautifully.

What kind of feta cheese is best for baked feta pasta?

For the creamiest sauce, definitely go for a block of feta cheese packed in brine. It’s usually sold in a tub with liquid. Avoid the pre-crumbled feta in a plastic container if you can – it tends to be drier and won’t melt down quite as luxuriously into our sauce. Trust me on this one!

Nutritional Estimate for Baked Feta Pasta

Just a little note that any nutrition info you see for this baked feta pasta is an estimate! It can totally change depending on the brands you use, the exact amount of oil, and even the type of pasta. We’re all about deliciousness here, so don’t stress too much about the numbers!

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Viral Baked Feta Pasta

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A simple and creamy baked feta pasta recipe inspired by a viral TikTok trend. Cherry tomatoes and feta cheese bake together to create a rich sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

  • Author: Cat
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 35 min
  • Total Time: 45 min
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 pound pasta
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish.
  3. Add the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and feta.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
  7. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to package directions.
  8. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Mash the feta and tomatoes with a fork to create a sauce.
  9. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat with the sauce.
  10. Stir in the minced garlic and fresh basil.
  11. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • Other vegetables like spinach or zucchini can be added.
  • Any type of pasta works well with this sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 65g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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Catherine Valdès is the creator, recipe developer, and food photographer behind Unfold Recipes. With a rich heritage blending Spanish traditions and Californian sensibilities, she believes that every meal has a story. After leaving a successful career in public relations to pursue her passion, Catherine honed her skills in a professional culinary arts program. Her focus is on creating approachable yet elegant recipes that inspire confidence in the kitchen. She combines her expertise in recipe development with a love for wine pairing and effortless entertaining, showing her audience how to create beautiful, delicious meals to share with loved ones.

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