Famous Baked Feta Pasta Recipe | Easy Creamy TikTok Pasta

Creamy Roasted Feta & Burst Tomato Pasta with Fresh Basil

About This Dish

Baked Feta Pasta (popularized as ‘Uunifetapasta’) is a sensationally easy weeknight meal. A block of Greek feta cheese is placed in the center of a baking dish surrounded by sweet cherry tomatoes, garlic, red pepper flakes, and plenty of extra virgin olive oil. As it bakes, the tomatoes burst and caramelize while the feta turns soft, creamy, and spreadable. When mixed together with hot pasta and reserved pasta water, it forms a luscious, rich sauce without needing heavy cream. Famous Baked Feta Pasta Recipe | Easy Creamy TikTok Pasta

Ingredients

•  8 oz (225g) Greek feta cheese (whole block in brine)

•  2 pints (24 oz) sweet cherry or grape tomatoes

•  ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

•  4 cloves garlic, sliced or minced

•  ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

•  ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning

•  Salt & Pepper to taste (go light on salt as feta is naturally salty)

•  10 oz (280g) pasta (Cavatappi, Rigatoni, or Penne work great)

•  ½ cup starchy pasta cooking water (reserved)

•  1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

•  Optional Grated Parmesan cheese or lemon zest for garnish

How to Prepare

Step-by-Step Instructions

1.  Prep the Dish: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and most of the olive oil. Toss well until tomatoes are evenly coated.

2.  Add Feta: Nestle the block of feta cheese directly into the center of the baking dish. Drizzle remaining olive oil over the top of the feta and season the dish with black pepper and a pinch of salt.

3.  Bake to Caramelize: Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until tomatoes are soft, blistered, and bursting, and the block of feta turns soft and slightly golden around edges.

4.  Boil the Pasta: While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of starchy pasta water before draining.

5.  Create Sauce: Remove baking dish from oven. Immediately use a fork to mash the soft feta and burst tomatoes together, stirring until a smooth, creamy sauce forms.

6.  Combine & Serve: Add drained pasta and half of the reserved pasta water to the dish. Toss vigorously until sauce coats every piece of pasta (add more pasta water if sauce feels too thick). Stir in fresh chopped basil and serve warm!

Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted water according to the package directions. Reserve about 120 milliliters of pasta water, then drain. Stir the hot tomatoes and feta together until they form a rustic sauce. Add the pasta and loosen the mixture with reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency. Fold in fresh basil before serving. Famous Baked Feta Pasta Recipe | Easy Creamy TikTok Pasta

Chef’s Tips for Success

• Use Block Feta in Brine: Avoid pre-crumbled feta. Crumbled feta contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Always choose a whole block of Greek feta made with sheep or goat milk.

• Don’t Skimp on Olive Oil: The olive oil emulsifies with the juices from the bursting tomatoes and the creamy feta to build your pasta sauce naturally.

• Pasta Shape Selection: Short noodles with ridges or twists (like Cavatappi, Fusilli, Rigatoni, or Penne) trap the rich feta sauce far better than long, smooth noodles.• The Power of Pasta Water: Starchy pasta water is essential for loosening the thick melted feta into a velvety, restaurant-quality sauce.

Recipe Overview: Famous Baked Feta Pasta

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Estimated Calories: ~510 kcal per serving

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