Viral Baked Feta Pasta

★★★★★ 4.8 (2,341 reviews)

The TikTok sensation that broke the internet! This incredibly simple yet delicious dish combines creamy baked feta, burst cherry tomatoes, and pasta for the easiest dinner ever. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you'll understand why this recipe caused a feta cheese shortage in some countries!

Ingredients

8 oz block of feta cheese
2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 lb pasta of your choice (penne or bowtie work well)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2 In a 9x13 inch baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes and minced garlic. Drizzle with 1/3 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
3 Create a space in the center of the dish and place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
4 Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft and golden on top.
5 Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
6 When the tomatoes and feta are done, remove from the oven and immediately mash with a fork to create a creamy sauce. Stir well to combine.
7 Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss until well coated with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
8 Stir in the fresh basil leaves, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9 Serve immediately while hot.

Chef's Tips

Use high-quality feta cheese that comes in a block, preferably sheep's milk feta. Pre-crumbled feta won't give you the same creamy texture when baked.
For extra flavor, add herbs like oregano or thyme to the tomatoes before baking. You can also add a drizzle of honey over the feta for a subtle sweetness that complements the tangy cheese.
Cook your pasta slightly al dente (about 1 minute less than package instructions) since it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
This dish is best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Calories	520 kcal
Protein	16 g
Carbohydrates	58 g
Fat	25 g
Fiber	3.5 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	580 mg

*Nutrition values are approximate per serving (recipe makes 4 servings) and based on ingredients listed. Values may vary based on specific brands used.