Irresistible baked feta pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes is a creamy, one-pan dish featuring a block of feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and herbs until soft and caramelized. Mixed with al dente pasta and fresh basil, it creates a tangy, rich, and effortlessly delicious meal. Made with just a few ingredients, it’s no wonder this dish went viral in Finland and is now called TikTok Past 

Ingredients and Substitution

Tomatoes: grape or Cherry grape tomatoes work best for this recipe. Their small size means optimum flavor, and the presentation of the tomatoes as they burst is so pretty.

Feta Cheese: A block of feta cheese is advisable for the best results. That is because the block has less processing and, as such, will yield more of a melty consistency when baked

Pasta: use whatever pasta you want or even make this with gluten-free pasta

Seasoning & Herbs: You’ll need olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and basil. Feel free to mess around with the seasoning and herbs if you’d like. You can try using some fresh thyme, or fresh oregano or switching the fresh garlic for roasted garlic.

  How to make baked feta pasta recipes

1. Preheat Oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C).
   

2. Prepare Ingredients
   

   • Place a block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish.

   • Surround it with cherry tomatoes (2-3 cups).

   • Add minced garlic (2-3 cloves) and drizzle generously with olive oil (1/4 cup).

3. Season: Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes for heat.
   

4. Bake: Roast for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens.
   

5. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta of choice (250g) until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
   

6. Combine
   

   • Remove the dish from the oven.

   • Mash the feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce.

   • Toss in cooked pasta and reserved pasta water for desired consistency.

7. Garnish: Add fresh basil leaves and mix well.
   

8. Serve: Enjoy warm! Optional: Add protein or veggies.
   

   Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Pasta

1. Use Block Feta: Opt for full-fat block feta for the creamiest texture. Avoid pre-crumbled feta.

2. Roast Until Golden: Bake until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are slightly blistered for maximum flavor.

3. Use Fresh Garlic: For bold, aromatic flavor, roast whole garlic cloves with the dish.

4. Customize Pasta Shape: Use short pasta like penne or rotini to hold the sauce well.

5. Reserve Pasta Water: Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

6. Add Protein: Mix in cooked chicken, shrimp, or sausage for a heartier meal.

7. Roast Veggies: Add zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers alongside tomatoes for variety.

8. Herbs and Spices: Experiment with thyme, oregano, or chili flakes for extra flavor.

9. Use Ripe Tomatoes: Sweet, ripe cherry or grape tomatoes enhance the dish’s balance.

10. Serve Fresh: Best enjoyed immediately, as the sauce thickens when cooled.

  Ingredients:

• 1 block feta cheese (200g)

• 2-3 cups cherry tomatoes

• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced or whole

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 250g pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta)

• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

  Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare Baking Dish: Place feta in the center of a baking dish, surround it with cherry tomatoes, and add garlic.

3. Season: Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

4. Bake: Roast for 25-30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens.

5. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente; reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

6. Mash and Mix: Mash feta and tomatoes into a sauce, then toss in the pasta. Add pasta water if needed.

7. Garnish: Top with fresh basil and serve immediately