This viral sensation combines creamy baked feta, burst tomatoes, and fresh basil for a rich, flavorful pasta dish. Simple to make and utterly satisfying, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners! Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, this dish requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – Just toss everything in a baking dish and let the oven do the work.
- Rich and Creamy – The baked feta creates a luscious, cheesy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Bursting with Flavor – Roasted tomatoes bring sweetness and depth, while fresh basil adds a fragrant touch.
- Perfect for Busy Nights – Quick prep and hands-off cooking make this an ideal weeknight meal.
- Customizable – You can add veggies, protein, or spice it up to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 1 (8 oz) brick of feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the grape tomatoes in a medium-sized baking dish.
- Position the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and salt evenly over the dish.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the cheese softens.
- Remove from the oven and stir the softened feta and tomatoes together until well combined.
- Add the chopped fresh basil and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the cooked pasta until fully combined. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Protein Boost: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp.
- Extra Veggies: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture.
- Different Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce. Microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the cheese may change.
FAQs
How do I prevent the feta from drying out?
Drizzling extra olive oil over the feta before baking helps keep it creamy.
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
A block of feta works best because it melts more evenly, but crumbled feta can work in a pinch.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Grape or cherry tomatoes are ideal because they burst easily and add natural sweetness.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based feta alternative and vegan pasta.
What pasta shapes work best?
Bow tie, penne, or rotini are great choices since they hold the sauce well.
How do I make this dish more flavorful?
Try adding minced garlic, lemon zest, or balsamic glaze for extra depth.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Goat cheese, ricotta, or even cream cheese can be used for a different texture.
What can I serve with baked feta pasta?
A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great side dishes.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or pasta water to make it even silkier.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance and assemble them before baking.
Conclusion
Baked Feta Pasta is the ultimate combination of simplicity and gourmet flavor. Whether you're making it for a quick dinner or a cozy gathering, this dish is sure to impress. With its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and easy customization, it’s no surprise this recipe became a viral sensation. Give it a try and enjoy a rich, comforting meal with minimal effort!
Baked Feta Pasta
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Baked Feta Pasta is a viral sensation that combines creamy, oven-baked feta cheese with burst cherry tomatoes and fresh basil for a rich, flavorful dish. This easy, one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite proteins and veggies.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried
- 1 (8 oz) block of feta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
- 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the grape tomatoes in a medium-sized baking dish.
- Position the feta cheese block in the center of the tomatoes.
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and salt evenly over the dish.
- Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens.
- Remove from the oven and stir the softened feta and tomatoes together.
- Add chopped fresh basil and mix thoroughly.
- Stir in the cooked pasta until fully combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Protein Boost: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more texture.
- Cheese Swap: Try goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
