How to Make TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

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Have you ever wondered how a simple pasta dish could take the internet by storm? Meet Baked Feta Pasta, the TikTok sensation that has won over food lovers everywhere. With its creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta, this recipe combines ease with incredible flavor. Whether you’re a kitchen pro or just starting out, this dish is a game-changer you’ll want to master.

Ingredients for TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

Flat-lay of baked feta pasta ingredients on a wooden surface, including a feta block, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, dry rigatoni, and basil sprigs, brightly lit with text labels

Here’s what you’ll need to make this viral TikTok dish:

1 block of feta cheese (about 8 ounces)
2 pints of cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
⅓ cup of olive oil
3 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
10 ounces of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite kind)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Pro tip: Adjust the amounts to suit your taste or the number of people you’re serving!

Instructions to make TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

Four-panel collage of baked feta pasta steps: 1) feta and tomatoes in a dish, 2) baked with melted feta, 3) rigatoni mixed in, 4) plated with basil, numbered on a kitchen counter.

Ready to cook? Follow these easy steps to create your own TikTok Baked Feta Pasta:

Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot for baking.
Set up the baking dish: Place the feta block in the center of a large baking dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil over everything, then add minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a kick).
Bake it: Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes burst and the feta turns soft and golden.
Cook the pasta: While the oven works its magic, boil a pot of salted water. Cook your pasta until al dente, following the package directions. Drain it, but save about ½ cup of pasta water just in case.
Mix it up: Take the baked feta and tomatoes out of the oven. Mash them together with a fork to make a creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until it’s coated. If it’s too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water.
Finish and serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of flavor and color. Serve it hot and dig in!

Tips and Variations of Feta Pasta

Three baked feta pasta variations in white bowls: spinach with goat cheese, Roma tomatoes with red pepper flakes, and fusilli with hot sauce, on a modern table with soft lighting

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some ideas:

Add greens: Toss in some spinach or arugula at the end for a fresh, healthy boost.
Switch the cheese: Try goat cheese or cream cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Change the pasta: This works with any shape—spaghetti, fusilli, or even gluten-free options.
Spice it up: Love heat? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes Baked Feta Pasta so special? It’s all about simplicity and flavor. The oven transforms basic ingredients into a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite of pasta. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for guests. Plus, you can tweak it to fit your style—check out “Mastering Baked Feta Pasta: Tips and Tricks“ for pro hacks to perfect it—making it a go-to recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Close-up of baked feta pasta on a rustic table, with melted feta, burst cherry tomatoes, and rigatoni topped with basil, plus a wooden spoon and olive oil in the background

TikTok’s Baked Feta Pasta proves that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. With its tangy feta, sweet tomatoes, and effortless prep, it’s no wonder this dish went viral. Give it a shot and see why everyone’s raving about it. Got a twist you love? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear!

FAQs

Welcome to our FAQs section, where we answer common questions and offer ingredient substitutions. Each recipe includes a time estimate to help you plan. Contact us anytime for more help!

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta, and how will it affect the dish?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses, but each type will alter the flavor and texture of the dish. Goat cheese: Similar to feta, it’s tangy and creamy, so it might work well.
Cream cheese: Milder and creamier, which could make the sauce less tangy.
Ricotta: Softer and less salty, might require additional seasoning.
Crumbled feta: While it’s still feta, it might not form as smooth a sauce as a block of feta. You can try to keep it piled up in the center to mimic the block.

What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes? Can I use another type of tomato, and what adjustments should I make?

Cherry tomatoes are ideal because they’re small, sweet, and burst nicely in the oven. Grape tomatoes: Similar to cherry tomatoes and can be used interchangeably.
Roma tomatoes: Larger and less sweet. Dice or slice them to help them cook faster.
Heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes: Chop into smaller pieces and adjust the baking time to ensure they cook through. They might release more water, so adjust the amount of pasta water accordingly.

How do I achieve al dente pasta, and why is it important for this recipe?

Al dente means the pasta is cooked but still has a slight bite to it. It’s important because it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
To achieve it: Follow the package instructions for cooking time, test by biting into a piece (it should be firm but not crunchy), and drain as soon as it’s al dente to stop the cooking process.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and reheat it later? If so, what’s the best way to do that?

The dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. To reheat: Warm the sauce on the stove with a little water or in the oven, then toss with the pasta and heat through.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese that melts well. Look for vegan feta or other melting plant-based cheeses.
Some recipes use a homemade mixture of tofu and cashews to mimic the texture and flavor of feta.
Follow the same steps, ensuring the cheese substitute behaves similarly in the oven.