The Viral Sensation: Oven-Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta 🍅🧀✨
1. Introduction
Discover the magic of baked feta pasta, a quick and irresistibly delicious dish that has taken social media by storm. This easy baked feta pasta recipe combines creamy feta cheese with juicy cherry tomatoes and pasta for a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this viral feta pasta is sure to become your new favorite comfort food.
2. Ingredients for the Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta
- 400g (14 oz) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano or basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
3. How to Make Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta: Step-by-Step Guide
Preparation of Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, prepare the ingredients by washing the cherry tomatoes and mincing the garlic. Gather all the necessary ingredients for a smooth cooking experience.
Roast the Feta and Tomatoes
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and drizzle everything with olive oil. Sprinkle with dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the feta is soft and the tomatoes burst with flavor.
Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine and Serve
Once roasted, gently mash the feta and tomatoes together in the baking dish to create a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta to the dish and toss to ensure each piece is well-coated. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh basil and red pepper flakes on top. Serve hot and enjoy your easy baked feta pasta masterpiece!
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Viral Feta Pasta
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best taste and texture, reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or water to loosen the sauce. Do not freeze, as the feta sauce may split upon thawing.
5. Serving Suggestions and Ideas
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. For a vibrant summer meal, serve with fresh vegetables or a side of summer salads. Check out more easy recipes for versatile dinner ideas on our site.
6. Frequently Asked Questions About the Viral Feta Pasta
Can I substitute the feta cheese?
Yes, if you prefer a different cheese, ricotta or mozzarella can be used, but the flavor and creaminess will slightly differ. Feta remains the key ingredient for that signature tangy taste.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, substitute the feta with plant-based cheese and ensure your pasta does not contain animal-derived ingredients. This way, you can enjoy a plant-based version of this viral feta pasta.
How long does it take to prepare and cook?
The total time for this easy baked feta pasta recipe is approximately 40 minutes, including roasting and pasta cooking, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set — Make stove-to-oven prep effortless with high-quality nonstick cookware that ensures easy cleanup after your delicious meal.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — Perfect for chopping garlic, herbs, and veggies quickly and uniformly, which speeds up your cooking process.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker — Ideal for preparing refreshing drinks to accompany your meal or chilling leftovers quickly.
8. Related Recipes You Might Love
- Creamy Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine — A flavorful pasta dish perfect for fans of rich, creamy sauces.
- Brown Sugar Peach Cake — A sweet treat to complement your savory easy baked feta pasta.
- Tropical Shrimp & Mango Salsa Bowls — Light and refreshing seafood recipe for warm days.
9. Conclusion
In summary, the baked feta pasta recipe offers a delightful blend of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and tender pasta that’s incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing dish, this viral feta pasta will satisfy everyone at your table. Try it today and enjoy this popular, flavorful, and fuss-free comfort food that has taken the culinary world by storm!
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The Viral Sensation: Oven-Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta
Discover the irresistible viral sensation of oven-baked feta and tomato pasta, a quick, flavorful, and creamy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. This easy baked feta pasta recipe combines creamy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender pasta, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in just minutes.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g (14 oz) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 200g (7 oz) block of feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano or basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare ingredients by washing cherry tomatoes and mincing garlic.
- Place the feta block in the center of a baking dish. Surround with cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until feta is soft and tomatoes burst.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Gently mash the feta and tomatoes in the baking dish to create a creamy sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs as preferred.
- Consistency of the sauce can be adjusted by mashing more or less.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking, Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 500 Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 68g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 25mg