Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Irresistibly Creamy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe for Pasta Lovers

Mediterranean kitchens have been buzzing about this viral baked feta pasta sensation that turned simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Creamy cheese melts into sweet roasted tomatoes, creating a spectacular sauce that coats every pasta strand.

Weeknight dinner challenges meet their match with this ridiculously easy recipe.

Tomatoes burst with intense flavor while feta softens into a luxurious cream.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add a bright, aromatic finish.

Each bite promises comfort and excitement in equal measure.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious spoonful of this irresistible dish.

Top Picks To Pair With Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

  • Pair Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: Crisp white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complement the tangy feta and sweet roasted tomatoes, cutting through the richness with their bright acidity.
  • Boost Wine Experience with Rustic Bread: Serve crusty sourdough or ciabatta on the side to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the soft pasta and melted cheese.
  • Create Refreshing Salad Companion: Prepare a light Greek salad with cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, rich pasta dish and add a fresh, zesty element.
  • Enhance Herbal Freshness: Pair the meal with a crisp sparkling water infused with fresh mint or a light herbal iced tea to cleanse the palate and complement the basil and oregano notes in the dish.

New Ideas For Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

  • Mediterranean Veggie Boost: Replace cherry tomatoes with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant cubes. Add kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flavor and richness.
  • Spicy Seafood Remix: Swap feta with a soft goat cheese and add shrimp or crab meat before baking. Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes for a zesty kick and oceanic twist.
  • Protein Power Pack: Incorporate crumbled Italian sausage or ground chicken into the tomato mixture before baking. Enhance protein content while maintaining the creamy sauce's signature texture.
  • Vegan Creamy Dream: Use plant-based feta alternative, substitute pasta with zucchini noodles, and add nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor. Include roasted cashews for additional creaminess and nutty undertones.

FAQs About Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

  • Why did this recipe become so popular on social media?

The viral TikTok trend made this baked feta pasta extremely famous in 2021, with millions of people trying and sharing the recipe for its incredibly simple preparation and delicious results.

  • Can I use different types of tomatoes?

While cherry tomatoes work best because they burst easily and create a sweet sauce, you can also use grape tomatoes or even larger tomatoes cut into smaller pieces for similar results.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This baked feta pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats well, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

  • How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that isn’t overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the amount or omit them completely without losing the recipe’s core flavor profile.

What Makes Baked Feta Pasta Recipe So Good

  • Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This baked feta pasta brings together simple ingredients for a mouthwatering meal that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With just a few easy steps, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills and preparation time.
  • Perfect for Busy Weeknights: The one-pan method means less cleanup, and the entire recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for quick and delicious dinners.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable with different herbs, spices, or pasta types, this recipe lets you put your personal spin on a trendy, beloved dish that satisfies everyone's taste buds.

Things You Need For Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Main Ingredients:

Cheese and Tomatoes:
  • Feta Cheese: Creamy base that becomes soft and golden when baked, providing rich tangy flavor.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy component that bursts during baking, creating a natural sauce.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: Holds the creamy sauce and provides a hearty base for the dish, best when cooked al dente.
Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Garlic, Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds warmth, depth, and subtle heat to the overall flavor profile.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing and balancing the dish's taste.
  • Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds freshness and color when added at the end.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides a zesty, citrusy brightness to cut through the richness.
Cooking Liquid:
  • Olive Oil: Helps ingredients roast evenly and adds smoothness to the sauce.
  • Pasta Water: Helps adjust sauce consistency and helps sauce cling to pasta.

Quick Guide For Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Get ready for some culinary magic!

Step 2: Create Your Flavor Canvas

Grab a beautiful baking dish and craft your masterpiece with these delightful ingredients:
  • Whole feta cheese block
  • Juicy cherry tomatoes
  • Freshly minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Zesty red pepper flakes
  • Kosher salt
  • Cracked black pepper
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Nestle the feta right in the center, scatter tomatoes around it like delicious jewels. Shower everything with your aromatic seasonings, then drizzle generously with golden olive oil.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Slide the dish into the heated oven. Let it dance and bubble for 25-30 minutes. Watch as tomatoes transform, bursting with intense flavor while the feta turns golden and irresistibly soft.

Step 4: Pasta Performance

While your Mediterranean wonder bakes, cook pasta according to package guidance. Before draining, sneakily set aside some pasta water – this liquid gold will help create your sauce later.

Step 5: Magical Sauce Creation

Pull out the baking dish and go wild! Gently crush the roasted tomatoes and feta, merging them into a luxurious, creamy sauce. Introduce your cooked pasta to this heavenly mixture, stirring with love. If the sauce seems shy, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve your dream consistency.

Step 6: Final Flavor Flourish

Sprinkle freshly torn basil leaves and bright lemon zest across the top. This is your moment of culinary triumph! Serve immediately and watch everyone swoon with delight.

Easy Tips For Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

  • Cheese Selection Hack: Choose full-fat block feta for the creamiest, most luxurious sauce that melts perfectly and creates a rich texture.
  • Temperature Timing Trick: Let ingredients sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor distribution.
  • Tomato Burst Technique: Select ripe, firm cherry tomatoes that will beautifully burst and release sweet juices during roasting for maximum sauce flavor.
  • Pasta Water Magic: Always save pasta water – it contains starchy goodness that helps sauce cling to noodles and creates smoother, silkier consistency.
  • Herb Freshness Boost: Chop basil right before adding to preserve bright green color and release maximum aromatic oils for vibrant final presentation.

How To Store Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

  • Refrigerate leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
  • Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of pasta water or olive oil to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Avoid freezing this recipe, as the creamy sauce and fresh herbs may separate and lose their original texture when thawed.
  • When reheating, stir the pasta occasionally to ensure even warming and maintain its creamy consistency.
  • Best enjoyed within 2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds with this baked feta pasta, where creamy cheese melts into sweet roasted tomatoes. Simple ingredients create a luxurious dish that transports you straight to Greece’s sun-drenched coastline.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
  • 1 block (7-8 ounces) feta cheese
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to a robust 400F (200C), ensuring an optimal cooking environment for the vibrant ingredients.
  2. Artfully arrange the feta block as the centerpiece in a spacious baking dish, surrounding it with glistening cherry tomatoes. Liberally scatter minced garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper across the tomato landscape. Drizzle a generous stream of olive oil to enhance the flavors.
  3. Slide the dish into the heated oven and allow it to roast uncovered for 25-30 minutes, watching as the tomatoes transform into burst treasures and the feta softens into a golden-edged delicacy.
  4. While the dish roasts, prepare the pasta in boiling water according to package guidance. Before draining, carefully extract a portion of the starchy cooking liquid, setting it aside as a potential sauce enhancer.
  5. Extract the baking dish from the oven and tenderly crush the roasted feta and tomatoes into a luscious, creamy sauce. Introduce the cooked pasta, folding and mixing thoroughly. If the sauce seems dense, integrate reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, perfect consistency.
  6. Elevate the dish’s freshness by incorporating torn basil leaves and delicate lemon zest. Serve immediately, allowing the harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors to captivate your palate.

Notes

  • Cheese Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality block of feta for the best creamy texture and rich flavor that melts beautifully in the dish.
  • Tomato Ripeness Tip: Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes at peak season to enhance the natural sweetness and create a more vibrant sauce.
  • Customize Heat Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness, making the dish mild for kids or extra zesty for heat lovers.
  • Dietary Flexibility: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
James Mitchell

James Mitchell

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Recipe Creation and Testing​, Fusion Cuisine​, Food Styling and Photography​, Culinary Education​

Education

Kendall College, Chicago, IL

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classic and modern cooking techniques, with a specialization in international cuisines.​

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Advanced Certificate in Gastronomy
  • Focus: In-depth studies of global food cultures, flavor profiling, and innovative recipe development.​

James Mitchell is the founder and fearless flavor explorer at Cooking Crusade. With a degree in Culinary Arts from Kendall College and advanced training in global gastronomy from The Culinary Institute of America, James has spent over a decade perfecting the art of recipe creation. 

His background includes fine dining, private cheffing, and food styling, but his true joy comes from turning big ideas into doable recipes for home cooks. Every dish he shares is a mix of creativity, culture, and a little kitchen magic, built to bring excitement back to everyday meals.

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