If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and incredibly flavorful pasta dish, Baked Feta Pasta is the answer! This internet-famous recipe has taken the world by storm for good reason—it’s simple, stunning, and absolutely packed with flavor. With just a few pantry staples like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, pasta, and olive oil, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in under 40 minutes.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or whipping up a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, and satisfying.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta
- Easy to make – No complicated steps or techniques.
- Uses simple ingredients – Most are likely already in your kitchen.
- One-dish magic – Less mess, more flavor.
- Creamy without cream – Thanks to the magic of warm, melty feta.
- Customizable – Add your favorite veggies, protein, or herbs.
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of what makes this dish so rich and flavorful:
- 1 block (about 7 oz) feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 10–12 oz pasta (short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
🍝 How to Make Baked Feta Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish, add cherry tomatoes and garlic. Drizzle generously with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, and toss to coat.
Place the block of feta cheese right in the center of the dish, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the cheese.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and slightly golden on top.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
Step 3: Stir Everything Together
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta and burst tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the luscious sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil
Tear fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, tangy, garlicky bite!
🌿 Recipe Variations & Add-ins
Customize your baked feta pasta to match your taste:
- Add spinach or arugula for a fresh, peppery twist.
- Toss in cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
- Use goat cheese or Boursin instead of feta for a different flavor profile.
- Try sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Make it spicy with extra chili flakes or a spoonful of chili crisp.
💡 Helpful Tips for the Best Baked Feta Pasta
- Use block feta – Pre-crumbled feta won’t melt as smoothly.
- Don’t skip the olive oil – It helps create the creamy sauce.
- Undercook your pasta slightly – It will continue cooking in the hot sauce.
- Reserve pasta water – It’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce’s texture.
- Serve immediately – It tastes best fresh and hot from the oven.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or milk to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended—feta and tomatoes don’t hold up well when frozen.
🍽️ What to Serve With Baked Feta Pasta
This dish pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms
- A chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
📌 Final Thoughts: TikTok Made It Famous for a Reason
Baked Feta Pasta is more than just a viral trend—it’s a flavor-packed, fuss-free meal you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. From the gooey feta to the burst tomatoes and herbaceous basil, every bite is comforting and crave-worthy.
Perfect for beginners or seasoned home cooks, this dish proves that simple ingredients can make truly spectacular meals.
