Have you heard about the viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta? It’s all the rage right now! This dish combines creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and pasta for a delicious meal that’s easy to make. In this post, I’ll share a quick and simple recipe that you can whip up in no time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this tasty dish! Let’s dive into the ingredients and how to prepare it.
Ingredients
To make TikTok Baked Feta Pasta, you need the following ingredients:
– Feta cheese: 200g
– Cherry tomatoes: 300g
– Garlic: 3 cloves, thinly sliced
– Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon
– Crushed red pepper flakes: 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
– Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
– Salt and pepper: to taste
– Pasta: 300g (penne or fusilli)
– Fresh basil leaves: for garnish
– Lemon: zest and juice of 1
Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The feta cheese is creamy and tangy, while the cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Garlic gives a nice flavor kick, and oregano brings that Mediterranean vibe. Crushed red pepper flakes add heat, but you can change this to fit your taste. Olive oil helps blend the flavors and adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance everything, while the pasta makes it hearty. Finally, fresh basil brightens the dish, and lemon adds a zesty twist.
Gather these items before you start cooking. This will make your cooking process smooth and fun!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven
First, set your oven to 200°C (400°F). This step gets the oven ready and hot. You want it to be nice and warm for the dish.
Preparing the Baking Dish
Next, grab a baking dish. Place the block of feta cheese in the center. Then, surround it with 300g of cherry tomatoes. Add 3 thinly sliced cloves of garlic around the feta. This mix adds great flavor and aroma.
Baking the Feta and Tomatoes
Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. Then, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, and some salt and pepper to taste. Now, place the dish in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should burst, and the feta will turn golden.
Cooking the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook 300g of pasta. Use penne or fusilli for best results. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente. Once done, drain the pasta but save ½ cup of the pasta water.
Combining Ingredients
When the feta and tomatoes are ready, take them out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together. This creates a creamy sauce. Stir in the zest and juice of 1 lemon for a fresh taste. Add the cooked pasta to this mixture. Mix well so the pasta gets coated. If it looks dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Serving the Dish
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it warm in bowls. For garnish, add fresh basil leaves on top. You can drizzle some extra olive oil for a nice finish. Enjoy your delicious, creamy pasta!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Creaminess
To get that smooth, creamy texture, the key is to mash the feta and tomatoes well. Once they come out of the oven, use a fork to mix them together. This creates a rich sauce. You can also add some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems thick. It helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
Adjusting Flavor to Taste
The beauty of this dish is its versatility. Start with the basic seasonings: salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Taste the dish after mixing the pasta. If you want more heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a fresh kick, a splash of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.
Presentation Tips
A beautiful dish makes it even tastier. Serve the pasta in warm bowls. Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil for shine. Top with fresh basil leaves for color. For a touch of elegance, add grated Parmesan cheese. This not only looks great but adds flavor too. Enjoy the vibrant colors and creamy goodness!
Variations
Adding Vegetables
You can make this dish even better by adding veggies. Try mixing in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These add color and nutrients. Just chop them up and add them to the baking dish. The heat will cook them perfectly while your feta and tomatoes bake.
Protein Additions
For a heartier meal, add protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work great. Just cook your protein separately and mix it in with the pasta. This will make your dish more filling and tasty. You can also use cooked sausage for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
If you need a gluten-free option, swap the pasta for a gluten-free type. Brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta are great choices. They taste good and work well with the sauce. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package for perfect results.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
After you make this baked feta pasta, you might have leftovers. Let the dish cool down first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep the flavors fresh. When you’re ready to eat, you can enjoy it warm or cold.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to keep this dish for longer, freezing is a great option. Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To enjoy later, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To reheat your baked feta pasta, you have a few options. The best way is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warm. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or a little pasta water to restore creaminess.
FAQs
What type of pasta is best for Baked Feta Pasta?
You can use penne or fusilli for this dish. These shapes hold sauce well. They cook evenly and mix nicely with the creamy feta sauce. Other pasta types can work too, but these are my favorites.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, you can. Cream cheese or goat cheese are good options. They will change the taste a bit. If you want a stronger flavor, try feta from a different region. Just keep in mind that the texture may vary.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The spice level depends on how much you add. One teaspoon gives a light kick. If you like it hotter, add more to taste. You can always start mild and adjust as you cook.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace feta with a vegan cheese option. Look for creamy plant-based cheeses. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. This way, you keep the taste while making it vegan-friendly.
How long does the dish last in the fridge?
This dish lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Reheat it on low heat to keep it creamy. If it seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or a little water.
This blog post shared an easy baked feta pasta recipe. You learned about key ingredients like feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta. I provided step-by-step instructions for baking and cooking. I also shared tips for creaminess and flavor adjustments, plus variations for your taste.
In closing, this dish is simple and tasty, perfect for any meal. Try it out and enjoy!
