TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

$- 200g pasta (penne or fusilli) - 200g block feta cheese - 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes - 4 cloves minced garlic - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon sea salt - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving I love the mix of simple and fresh ingredients in this dish. You start with pasta as your base. I recommend penne or fusilli for best results. The pasta soaks up the sauce well. Next, you need a block of feta cheese. This creamy cheese makes the sauce rich and tasty. The cherry tomatoes add freshness. Halve them to let all their juices mix in during baking. Garlic is a must for flavor. I use four cloves, but you can adjust based on your taste. Extra virgin olive oil adds good fat and flavor. Sea salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. Dried oregano gives a nice earthy note. If you like heat, add chili flakes. They are optional but add a fun kick! Don't forget fresh basil leaves to garnish. They brighten the dish and add color. Finally, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top is a great touch. It adds another layer of flavor. With these ingredients, you will create a dish that is simple yet delicious! - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a large baking dish, mix halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and chili flakes (if you want heat). Stir it well. - Make a small well in the center of the tomato mix. Place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle some olive oil on top of the feta. - Bake the dish in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness. The feta should be soft and golden. The tomatoes should burst open and release their juices. - While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook 200g of pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta. Mix it with the burst tomatoes to make a creamy sauce. - Add the drained pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce. - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your meal! - Choosing the right pasta type: I recommend using penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well. They capture the creamy feta and tomatoes in every bite. - How to ensure creamy sauce consistency: To get a smooth sauce, mash the feta well. Mix it with the burst tomatoes. Add a splash of pasta water if needed. This helps achieve a nice, creamy texture. - Overbaking the feta: Keep an eye on the feta while it bakes. If it gets too brown, it can become gritty. You want it soft and slightly golden. - Not salting pasta water: Always salt your pasta water. This adds flavor to the pasta. It makes a big difference in the final dish. - Customizing spice levels: If you like heat, add more chili flakes. You can also mix in some red pepper for extra kick. Adjust it to match your taste. - Adding vegetables for nutrition: Toss in extra veggies like spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients. Plus, they blend well with the dish. {{image_4}} You can play with your ingredients to change the flavors. If you want a different taste, try these options: - Alternatives to feta cheese: You can use goat cheese or cream cheese. These will give a different texture and taste. - Using different types of tomatoes: While cherry tomatoes are sweet, you can use grape or even diced canned tomatoes for a twist. Each type brings its own flavor. Making this dish fit your needs is easy. Here are some good swaps: - Gluten-free pasta options: Use gluten-free penne or fusilli. They cook well and taste great, too. - Vegan alternatives for a dairy-free version: Swap feta for almond or tofu-based cheese. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. Adding more flavors makes this dish even better. Here are some fun ideas: - Mediterranean add-ins (like olives): Toss in some kalamata olives for a salty kick. They pair well with the feta. - Adding proteins (chicken, shrimp, etc.): Cooked chicken or shrimp can add protein. They work well when mixed in before serving. This makes your meal heartier. Try these variations to make the TikTok Baked Feta Pasta your own! To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, place it in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. This helps to lock in flavors and moisture. Eat leftovers within three days for the best taste. You can reheat your pasta in the microwave or the oven. The microwave is quick and easy. Just use a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. The oven takes longer but keeps it crispy. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes. To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of olive oil or water before reheating. Yes, you can freeze baked pasta! To freeze it, let the dish cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. This dish can stay good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. After that, you can reheat it as mentioned above. You can serve this dish with various sides. Here are some great options: - A simple green salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a crunchy side - Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers - Steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthy touch - A light soup, like tomato or minestrone These sides create a well-rounded meal. They balance the creamy pasta nicely. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Follow these tips for meal prep: - Cook the pasta a day before. Store it in the fridge. - Mix the tomatoes, garlic, and feta in the baking dish. Cover it tightly. - Keep the baking dish in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. - When baking, add a few extra minutes to ensure it's hot and bubbly. This way, you save time on busy days and still enjoy a tasty meal. To add heat to your TikTok Baked Feta Pasta, try these ideas: - Increase the chili flakes in the recipe. - Add sliced fresh jalapeños to the tomato mix. - Mix in some hot sauce while combining the pasta. - Sprinkle crushed red pepper on top before serving. These additions fit well with the creamy sauce. You can enjoy a flavorful kick! This blog post covered everything you need for TikTok Baked Feta Pasta. We explored key ingredients, from pasta to feta, and shared step-by-step instructions. I also included tips for perfecting the dish and common mistakes to avoid. You can customize it with variations to suit your tastes or diet. Storing and reheating tips ensure you enjoy leftovers too. Try this fun recipe for an easy and tasty meal! Enjoy the flavors and get creative in the kitchen!$

TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

Elevate your dinner game with this Creamy Baked Feta Pasta Delight! Packed with flavor from roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic, this easy recipe comes together quickly for a satisfying meal that's sure to impress. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it's both creamy and comforting. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your kitchen tonight! #BakedFetaPasta #PastaRecipes #EasyDinner #CreamyPasta

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Ingredients

200g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

200g block feta cheese

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for heat)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.

Prepare the Baking Mixture: In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and chili flakes (if using). Stir the mixture well to ensure the flavors blend harmoniously.

Add Feta: Create a small well in the center of the tomato mixture and place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle a touch of olive oil on top of the feta for added richness.

Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for the feta to become soft and slightly golden and the cherry tomatoes to burst open, releasing their juices.

Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Create Your Sauce: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, gently mash the softened feta and stir it together with the burst tomatoes to create a creamy, velvety sauce.

Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated with the luscious sauce.

Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the dish hot, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

- Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4