Baked Feta Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta

Creamy, tangy, and bursting with roasted tomato flavor, this Baked Feta Pasta is the ultimate easy one-pan meal! 🍅🧀

Made famous by the viral TikTok recipe, this dish requires minimal prep—just toss cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olive oil in a baking dish, roast until caramelized, then mix with pasta for a rich and flavorful meal. It’s quick, effortless, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something delicious with minimal cleanup!

Ingredients (Serves 4-6)

12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 cups cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
¼ cup fresh basil (chopped)
Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for brightness)
¼ cup reserved pasta water (to thicken sauce)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Feta & Tomatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Toss to coat.
Place the block of feta cheese in the center and drizzle with extra olive oil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until tomatoes are bursting and feta is soft and golden.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions.
Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Mash & Mix the Sauce

Remove the baking dish from the oven and mash the roasted feta and tomatoes with a fork to create a creamy sauce.
Stir in the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky consistency.
Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing until fully coated.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

Stir in fresh basil and lemon zest for added freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, tangy baked feta pasta!

Why This Recipe Works So Well

Minimal effort, maximum flavor – Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
Feta cheese melts into a rich, tangy sauce – No heavy cream needed!
One-pan + stovetop pasta = fewer dishes!
Endless customization – Add spinach, olives, chicken, or shrimp for variety.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Use high-quality feta cheese – Blocks of feta melt better than crumbled feta.
Don’t skip the pasta water! It helps create a smooth and creamy sauce.
Want a protein boost? Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Make it gluten-free by using chickpea or lentil pasta.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate Values)

Calories: 480
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g

Serving Suggestions

With a side of garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
Topped with crispy bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Paired with a crisp side salad for a fresh contrast.
With a glass of white wine to enhance the Mediterranean flavors.