✔ Updated · clear amounts, step photos and our own video
Baked feta pasta is the viral TikTok dinner I still make on busy weeknights: a whole block of feta roasted with cherry tomatoes until jammy, then stirred through hot pasta. A few pantry ingredients and almost no effort.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Roast until the tomato skins split and blister at the edges. The jammier the tomatoes, the richer and sweeter the sauce.
Why You'll Love This Pasta
- Almost hands-off, the oven does the work.
- Creamy without cream, the melted feta makes the sauce.
- Pantry friendly, with eight simple ingredients.
Why This Viral Recipe Works
Roasting at a high heat concentrates the tomatoes into something sweet and jammy, while the feta softens enough to mash into a creamy sauce. Olive oil and starchy pasta water bring it together, so you get a rich sauce without any cream.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Any short pasta works. I use bowties, but penne, rigatoni, shells and even spaghetti all work. Use whatever is hiding in the back of the cupboard.
- Use block feta. Pre-crumbled feta is coated to stop it clumping, so it won't melt into the same creamy sauce.
- Garlic goes in hot. Add it the second the dish comes out of the oven. The residual heat softens it; wait too long and you get raw garlic bites.
- Save the pasta water. Its starch is what turns feta and oil into a glossy sauce. No pasta water left? A splash of hot water helps.
- Chili is optional. I love a little heat, but not everyone at my table does, so if in doubt, leave it out.
- Make it a meal. Stir in a couple of handfuls of baby spinach with the pasta, or add cooked shrimp or chicken.
TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
6
servings5
minutes35
minutes550
kcal40
minutesThe viral baked feta pasta: cherry tomatoes and a whole block of feta roasted with olive oil and chili flakes at 400°F until jammy, then stirred with garlic, basil, al dente pasta and a splash of pasta water into a creamy sauce. Serves 4 to 6.
Ingredients
2 pints (20 to 24 oz) cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 (8 oz) block of feta
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt and black pepper
1 lb bowtie pasta (farfalle) or any short pasta
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 large handful fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Directions
- Heat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Put the tomatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish, drizzle with about half the olive oil, season with salt and pepper and toss. Nestle the feta block in the middle, drizzle it with the rest of the oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and lightly golden.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1 minute short of the package time. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- As soon as the dish comes out of the oven, add the garlic and most of the basil and mash everything together with a spoon so the feta melts into a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the drained pasta, adding splashes of pasta water until it’s glossy and creamy. Top with the remaining basil and serve right away.
Recipe Video
Notes
- This recipe is entirely scalable. So if you want to cook half the amount, then just half the ingredients (and maybe invest in a smaller baking dish).
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More Viral and Easy Pasta
If you love this, try my Gigi Hadid-style pasta sauce, the speedy tuna pesto pasta or another viral favorite, TikTok pizza toast, or browse the 30 TikTok recipes I think are worth making. My guide to types of pasta helps you pick a shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TikTok baked feta pasta?
It's a viral recipe where a whole block of feta is roasted with cherry tomatoes and olive oil, then mashed into a creamy sauce and tossed with pasta. It was inspired by a Finnish recipe and became a TikTok sensation in 2021.
What kind of feta is best for baked feta pasta?
Use a block of feta, ideally sheep's milk or a sheep and goat blend packed in brine. It melts creamier and tastes richer than pre-crumbled feta, which can turn grainy.
Can I make baked feta pasta ahead of time?
It's best fresh, because the sauce thickens as it cools. You can roast the tomatoes and feta ahead, refrigerate, then reheat the dish in the oven and stir in freshly cooked pasta.
How do you reheat baked feta pasta?
Reheat leftovers in a pan over low heat with a splash of water or milk, stirring until hot. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and eat them within 3 to 4 days.
Can I add protein to baked feta pasta?
Yes. Stir in cooked shrimp, shredded chicken, chickpeas or white beans with the pasta. Cooked chicken should be reheated until it's steaming and 165°F.
