Creamy Baked Feta TikTok Pasta

$- Pasta varieties: You can use 200g of penne or rigatoni for this dish. Both shapes hold sauces well and add to the meal's texture. - Feta cheese details: The recipe calls for 200g of feta cheese. Look for a block of feta, as it melts nicely and adds creaminess to the sauce. - Cherry tomatoes information: Use 300g of cherry tomatoes, halved. They burst in the oven, adding sweetness and flavor to the dish. - Olive oil selection: Choose a good-quality olive oil, about 4 tablespoons. It enhances the taste and helps the feta and tomatoes roast perfectly. - Garlic types and preparation: Use 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Fresh garlic gives a strong flavor that balances the creamy feta. - Herbs and spices: Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. It adds an earthy flavor that pairs well with the feta and tomatoes. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! - Red pepper flakes usage: If you like some heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This optional ingredient gives a nice kick to the dish. - Grated Parmesan cheese: For serving, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a savory touch that many enjoy. - Fresh basil for garnish: Fresh basil leaves are perfect for garnishing the dish. They add color and a fresh flavor that brightens the meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This temp is perfect for roasting. 2. Grab a baking dish. Place the feta cheese right in the center. Surround it with halved cherry tomatoes. 3. Next, drizzle about 4 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. This oil adds flavor and helps with browning. 1. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake it for about 25-30 minutes. 2. Keep an eye on it. You want the tomatoes to blister and the feta to turn golden and soft. This means it's ready. 1. While your feta bakes, cook 200g of pasta. Choose penne or rigatoni for best results. 2. Boil water in a pot and add salt. Cook the pasta according to the package. Aim for al dente texture; it should be firm but not hard. 3. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside until the feta is ready. This simple process makes a delicious dish. Enjoy every bite! To achieve creaminess in your pasta, mash the baked feta and tomatoes well. This creates a rich sauce. Stir in the pasta while it’s hot. The heat helps blend the flavors. If you like a bit of tang, use a good quality feta. It melts beautifully. When using herbs, fresh basil adds a nice touch. You can also use dried oregano. Dried herbs pack a punch, but fresh herbs give a bright flavor. If you have fresh basil, chop it and sprinkle over the dish after serving. If you want a basil alternative, try parsley or arugula. Both add a fresh taste. For an extra kick, consider adding some chili flakes on top. Grated Parmesan cheese really enhances the dish. Serve it on the side for guests who want to add more. A light sprinkle on top before serving looks great too. A common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cook it al dente, so it stays firm. This gives the dish a nice texture. Choosing the right feta is key. Look for a block of feta, not crumbled. Crumbled feta doesn’t melt well. A good quality feta makes a huge difference in taste. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Use a pasta shape that can hold onto the creamy sauce, like penne or rigatoni. These shapes trap the sauce in their ridges, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Quality Feta Matters: Opt for a good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. Greek feta is typically creamier and more flavorful than others, enhancing the overall dish. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the baking dish for added nutrition and flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time so they don’t overcook. Don’t Skip the Garnish: Fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese elevate this dish. The aroma of fresh herbs and the nutty flavor of Parmesan add an extra layer of taste you won’t want to miss. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta shape for fun. Penne and rigatoni work great, but you can also use fusilli or farfalle. Each shape will change the look and texture. Try a whole grain or chickpea pasta for added nutrition. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, use grape tomatoes or even diced bell peppers. These options add sweetness and color. Canned tomatoes also work in a pinch, just drain them well before using. Add protein to make this dish heartier. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas blend well with the feta and tomatoes. Just toss them in before baking. For extra veggies, consider spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can add them to the baking dish or sauté them first. This helps to boost the flavors and nutrients in your meal. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that cook well. Just follow the package instructions for best results. For dairy-free needs, swap the feta for a dairy-free cheese. There are many brands that mimic feta's taste and texture. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. The pasta lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to keep it refrigerated at all times. Yes, you can freeze baked pasta. First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat frozen pasta, take it out of the freezer the night before. Let it thaw in the fridge. You can also heat it straight from the freezer. Just add extra time when baking. The best method for reheating is in the oven. Preheat it to 180°C (350°F). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. This helps keep the moisture in. Bake for about 20 minutes. You can also reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help with the texture. Stir it gently over low heat. This keeps the creaminess and flavor intact. Baked Feta TikTok Pasta became a hit on social media. It features creamy feta cheese and sweet cherry tomatoes. The mix creates a rich and tasty sauce. You bake the feta with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. Then, you mix it with pasta for a quick meal. This dish's ease and taste make it popular for busy cooks. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and bake the feta and tomatoes. Let them cool, then store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, you can reheat the pasta and sauce together. This method saves time during busy days. Just follow the original steps when you reheat. You can easily change the serving size of this recipe. To make more, double the ingredients. For fewer servings, cut the amounts in half. Adjusting the pasta and feta ensures everyone gets enough. Keep the cooking time the same for the sauce. This way, you can enjoy this dish any time. Baked Feta TikTok Pasta is easy and fun to make. We covered main ingredients like pasta, feta, and tomatoes. You learned how to bake it perfectly and add your favorite flavors. Don’t forget tips to avoid common mistakes, like overcooking pasta. Variations help you customize the dish to your taste. Lastly, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. Enjoy creating your own delicious version of this popular dish!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

200 g pasta (penne or rigatoni)
200 g feta cheese
300 g cherry tomatoes, halved
4 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
optional grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
In a baking dish, place the feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes.
Drizzle olive oil over the feta cheese and tomatoes evenly.
Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and soft.
While the feta is baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Once the feta is done, remove it from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together until creamy.
Add the cooked pasta into the baking dish and toss everything together until well combined.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Keyword baked, feta, pasta, TikTok recipe