Baked Feta Pasta the Viral Tomato Feta Sensation
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever scrolled through TikTok and thought, "Ooh, that looks good?" Me too! This tomato feta pasta , the viral pasta recipe that took the internet by storm, is proof that simple can be spectacular.
This is the baked feta pasta recipe you need in your life right now, bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Brief Overview
This Greek pasta recipe hails from the sunny shores of... well, someone's TikTok. But the ingredients scream Mediterranean pasta recipe .
It’s an easy pasta recipe , perfect for a quick weeknight dinner . It serves around 4-6 hungry people.
Main Benefits
It's surprisingly healthy, packing in antioxidants from the tomatoes. Plus, it’s one of those satisfying vegetarian pasta dishes that even meat eaters will love.
What makes this roasted tomato feta pasta so special? Honestly, it's the flavor bomb that requires minimal effort.
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this ridiculously easy pasta recipe . Honestly, the beauty of this tiktok pasta recipe is how simple it is.
You probably have most of it already!
Main Ingredients: Setting the Stage for Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
To create that viral pasta recipe you only need:
- 1.5 lbs ( 680g ) cherry or grape tomatoes. Go for the ones that smell really sweet!
- 8 oz ( 225g ) block of proper Greek feta. None of that pre-crumbled nonsense. Trust me.
- 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) extra virgin olive oil. The good stuff!
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced. Because garlic makes everything better.
- 1 tsp dried oregano. A must for that Mediterranean vibe.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). For a little kick.
- Salt and pepper to taste. Be careful with the salt, feta is already salty.
- 1 lb ( 450g ) of your favourite pasta. Penne, rigatoni, fusilli whatever floats your boat.
- 1/4 cup ( 60ml ) pasta water, reserved. This is liquid gold, don’t throw it away.
For the feta cheese pasta , quality really matters. Spend a bit more on proper Greek feta in brine. It will make all the difference.
You can find great feta in your local Greek or Mediterranean store.
Seasoning Notes: That Mediterranean Kiss
Oregano and red pepper flakes are a classic Mediterranean pasta recipe pairing. This greek pasta recipe also benefits from the freshness of basil.
A splash of balsamic glaze after cooking adds a touch of sweetness. Don't have oregano? Italian seasoning works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keeping it Simple for a Quick Weeknight Dinner
For this quick weeknight dinner , you really don't need fancy gear.
- A 9x13 inch ( 23x33 cm ) baking dish. That's where the magic happens.
- A large pot for boiling the pasta. Obvious, but hey, gotta mention it.
- A colander. To drain the pasta, duh.
If you don't have a baking dish, a roasting pan will do. Honestly, this easy pasta recipe is so forgiving.
Don't sweat the small stuff. The goal here is to create delicious tomato feta pasta . Also known as the roasted tomato feta pasta , a vegetarian pasta dishes that you will absolutely fall in love with.
Baked Feta Pasta: The Viral Tomato Feta Pasta Sensation!
Honestly, who didn't see that tiktok pasta recipe blowing up? I mean, seriously! This easy pasta recipe is too good and too simple not to.
It's basically the viral pasta recipe that launched a thousand ships (or at least a thousand dinner parties). Ever since trying the roasted tomato feta pasta , I've wanted to share my version with you! It's pure comfort food, and it comes together in a snap.
Plus, it's a pretty great option for vegetarian pasta dishes . Let's make some magic happen.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place , Mate!
First things first. Get your ingredients together. I like to chop everything before I start it's way less stressful.
Roughly chop your basil, mince the garlic, and grab that block of real Greek feta. Trust me on the feta.
The cheap crumbly stuff won't cut it for this feta cheese pasta dish. You really want that tangy flavour to shine.
Safety wise, watch your fingers when chopping! No one wants a trip to A&E on pasta night.
step-by-step: Getting Saucy
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
- In a 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, dump in your 1.5 lbs (680g) of cherry tomatoes and the 8 oz (225g) block of feta.
- Drizzle with 1/4 cup (60ml) of olive oil, minced garlic (that's 4 cloves ), 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch (or more, if you’re brave) of red pepper flakes. Add salt and pepper. Don't be shy.
- Bake for about 40 minutes . The tomatoes should be bursting, and the feta will be soft and slightly golden on top.
- While that's baking, cook your 1 lb (450g) pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup (60ml) of that precious pasta water!
- Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, take them out of the oven. Use a fork to mash everything together into a glorious, creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss it all together. Add pasta water as needed to get your desired sauce consistency.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
Pro Tips: Nailing the Greek Pasta Recipe
- Don't be afraid to experiment with veggies. Bell peppers or zucchini work great! This takes this Mediterranean pasta recipe to another level!
- If you want to make this ahead, you can roast the feta and tomato base, then keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just add the cooked pasta when you're ready to serve. It's a life saver on a quick weeknight dinner .
- One of the most common mistakes is over salting. Because feta is already salty, you need to be aware that the dish can get easily ruined. Always try the sauce before you add any salt at all.
Recipe Notes for the Baked Feta Pasta recipe
Right then, let's get into the nitty gritty of this tomato feta pasta masterpiece. Honestly, even I was surprised how simple this easy pasta recipe is.
It's the viral pasta recipe everyone's been raving about, and for good reason. It's a flavour bomb waiting to happen.
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Plate On
Okay, so you've got this gorgeous feta cheese pasta . Don't just slap it on a plate. Make it look nice! A swirl of pasta, a sprinkle of fresh basil.
.. Boom. Instant Instagram cred. Serve it with some crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that lovely sauce. A fresh green salad cuts through the richness nicely too.
And, if you want to be a bit extra, grill some chicken or shrimp. It’s a proper Mediterranean pasta recipe then, innit?
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This roasted tomato feta pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days . Make sure to cool it down first.
Use an airtight container, yeah? Reheating is easy. A quick zap in the microwave, or even better, warm it up in a pan with a splash of water.
Freezing isn't ideal, as the feta can get a bit grainy, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months if you really need to.
Variations: Mix it Up!
Fancy a bit of a change? No worries! For a veggie boost, throw in some roasted peppers, zucchini, or onions.
These added vegies alongside the tomatoes and feta before baking. Or, if you’re feeling brave, up the spice with extra chilli flakes for a bit of fire.
Need a vegetarian pasta dishes adaptation? It's already good to go! If you're thinking of dietary tweaks, gluten-free pasta works a treat if you have an intolerance.
This would make it a great greek pasta recipe dish.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Alright, let's talk numbers. One serving of this tomato feta pasta is around 550-650 calories. I know, I know, but it's worth it! It's packed with protein from the feta, and the tomatoes are full of vitamins.
Plus, the olive oil is a healthy fat. But let's be real, it's comfort food, not a kale smoothie! Sodium can be high depending on the feta used, so tread carefully with adding extra salt.
So there you have it! A quick weeknight dinner that's sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Cooking should be fun.
Honestly, this tiktok pasta recipe is practically foolproof. So get in the kitchen and get cooking! You'll be glad you did.
Now, go on, give this baked feta pasta recipe a whirl. You won’t regret it, promise!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of feta for this tomato feta pasta recipe?
For the best result, it's cracking to use a block of Greek feta cheese in brine, ideally made from sheep's milk. This type of feta is tangier, creamier when baked, and holds its shape better than pre-crumbled feta. The pre-crumbled feta tends to dry out and won't give you that lovely, melty sauce we're after, old boy.
What other vegetables can I add to my tomato feta pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to chuck in some other veggies to roast alongside the tomatoes and feta. Bell peppers, courgette (zucchini), red onion, or even aubergine (eggplant) would all be jolly good additions. Just chop them into bite sized pieces so they cook evenly with the tomatoes.
Is there a vegan substitute for feta if I want a vegan tomato feta pasta?
Yes, there are some pretty decent vegan feta alternatives available these days! Look for vegan feta made from tofu, cashews, or other nuts. Keep in mind that vegan feta might not melt in exactly the same way as dairy feta, but it will still add a lovely salty and tangy flavour to your pasta.
And make sure to use vegan friendly pasta, of course!
How should I store leftover tomato feta pasta, and how long will it last?
Leftover tomato feta pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce, as the pasta tends to absorb the liquid. Give it a good stir, and you're good to go.
It's still perfectly scrummy as leftovers, you know!
Can I make this tomato feta pasta ahead of time?
You can prep some components ahead of time. For example, you can mince the garlic and measure out the spices. However, I wouldn't recommend baking the feta and tomatoes too far in advance, as the sauce is best served fresh. Cooking the pasta right before serving is also best to avoid it becoming mushy.
You could bake the feta, then store it in the fridge for no more than one day.
Baked Feta Pasta The Viral Tomato Feta Sensation
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-35g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
