Baked Feta Pasta: The TikTok Sensation, Perfected!
Elevate your feta pasta recipe! This baked feta pasta is creamy, tangy & bursting with flavour. Easier than the TikTok trend, it's weeknight perfection!
Alright, let's dive into the buzz about the feta pasta recipe .
Quick Hook
Ever seen a recipe blow up the internet? Honestly, this feta pasta recipe did. It's all about that tangy Baked Feta meeting sweet Cherry Tomato Pasta goodness.
A Taste of TikTok Fame
This recipe isn't some old family secret. it's more like a viral sensation! it’s based on finnish recipe, but everyone went crazy for it.
Baked feta pasta is super easy to make and it's ready in about 50 minutes. this recipe dinner makes 4 servings.
Why You'll Love This Dish
I think what makes this dish special is how simple it is. roasting the tomatoes brings out their flavor. you can toss in other things too if you are feeling creative.
This recipe is great for a weeknight meal. i consider it a healthy dinner recipes chicken if you add grilled chicken on top.
Ready to get cooking? Next up, we're talking ingredients.
Okay, here's that ingredient section for our Baked Feta Pasta recipe, all chatty and fun. Let's dive in!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Cooking!
Alright, let's gather our goodies. This feta pasta recipe is seriously simple. You'll be amazed!
Main Ingredients
Here's what you need. The measurements are precise. But hey, cooking is also about feeling it, you know?
- Feta: 8 ounces (225g) of feta. Get the block kind, in brine. Seriously, it makes a HUGE difference. Quality feta means a tastier baked feta pasta .
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (500g) of these little guys. Look for the ones that are plump and bright red! These juicy tomatoes are the key to creating a rich and flavorful cherry tomato pasta .
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, always!
- Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) , extra virgin. Don't skimp on the good stuff. It adds so much flavor!
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon . Only if you like a little kick. I always do!
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon . It adds that Mediterranean touch.
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) . Your fave! Penne, rigatoni, spaghetti...whatever floats your boat. Honestly, whatever you choose it will result in a delicious baked pasta .
- Fresh Basil: 2 tablespoons , chopped. Because fresh herbs are life.
Seasoning Notes
Spices can make or break a dish, I swear. This is what can make it a perfect Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes!
Oregano and red pepper flakes? That's a classic combo. But don't be afraid to experiment! A little pinch of thyme? Amazing!
Garlic is essential, duh. But if you're out, a tiny bit of garlic powder will do in a pinch. Don't tell anyone I said that.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple!
- A 9x13 inch baking dish . That's your main stage.
- A large pot for boiling pasta. Obvi.
- A colander. For draining that precious pasta.
- Garlic press. Makes mincing easy. But a knife works too.
Honestly, that's it! I've made this feta pasta with even less, using a smaller pan. Now, that you got all the items, let's make this quick recipe dinner , a healthy dinner recipes chicken alternative!
Okay, let's dive into this crazy-delicious baked feta pasta thing! honestly, i was skeptical at first. like, could something this trendy actually taste good? but, oh my gosh, i was so wrong! it's a total weeknight winner.
It’s one of those pasta dinner recipes that feels fancy but is secretly super easy.
Baked Feta Pasta: The TikTok Sensation, Perfected! Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Cooking Baked Feta Pasta: Simple Steps
Before we even think about turning on the oven, let’s get our act together. this is essential mise en place! first, grab that block of feta .
Remember, good baked feta starts with good ingredients. dice 4 cloves of garlic . i use a garlic press because, well, i hate mincing garlic.
It’s all about saving time, right?
Step-by-Step to Feta Pasta Bliss
Follow these simple steps. It is really that easy!
- Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Get that baking dish ready.
- Place the feta in the center of the dish. Surround it with cherry tomatoes. It's like giving the feta a tomato hug.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic and season. Don’t be shy with that olive oil!.
- Bake for 30- 35 minutes . The tomatoes need to be bursting. And the feta? Golden brown and gorgeous.
- While the magic happens, cook your pasta. Al dente is key. Save some pasta water before draining.
- Remove from the oven. Mash the feta and tomatoes. It's therapeutic, I swear!
- Add the cooked pasta to the dish. Toss it all together. Add pasta water if needed.
- Garnish with basil. Serve it with some crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Expert Tips for Feta Pasta Perfection
Want to elevate your Cherry Tomato Pasta game? I’ve got you!
- Don't overcook the pasta!. Soggy pasta is a no-go.
- Taste as you go. Feta can be salty. Adjust the seasoning.
- For an extra kick, throw in some red pepper flakes. You know, for that little somethin' somethin'.
You can even make this part of your healthy dinner recipes chicken rotation by adding grilled chicken on top! So many options!.
This feta pasta recipe is seriously legit. try it!. you'll be hooked. trust me, you'll make this recipe dinner again, and again.
It's the baked pasta dish that’s taking over for a reason.
Alright, let's dive into some extra stuff about this feta pasta recipe . Trust me; these notes will make you a feta pasta pro!
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Make it pretty!
Okay, presentation time! first, swirl that pasta with cherry tomatoes into a bowl. garnish with extra basil. a drizzle of olive oil adds shine.
Serve with crusty bread for soaking up that amazing sauce. honestly, that's half the fun. for sides? a simple salad works wonders.
A glass of chilled white wine? even better!
Storage Tips: Keep it fresh, yo.
Got leftovers? lucky you! store the baked feta pasta in an airtight container. pop it in the fridge. it'll last for about 3-4 days.
Reheating is easy. microwave it or warm it in a pan. add a splash of water to keep it creamy.
Freezing? not the best idea, honestly. the texture changes, you know?
Variations: Remix it!
Want to switch things up? i get it! for a healthy dinner recipes chicken style, grilled chicken can be sliced.
Add it to the cherry tomato pasta at the end. boom, protein boost! need a dairy-free option? it's tricky with the baked feta , but some folks use a cashew cream sauce instead.
It's not the same, but it's an option. for seasonal swaps, try roasted bell peppers in summer. or butternut squash in the fall.
Nutrition Basics: The good stuff.
Okay, let's talk numbers. this feta pasta isn't exactly a salad. but it's not terrible! it's got carbs from the pasta.
Healthy fats from the olive oil. protein from the feta. the cherry tomatoes provide vitamins. portion control is key, though.
All about balance, isn't it? perfect recipe dinner that isn't a calorie bomb if you eat it right.
So, there you have it! my extra tips and tricks for the baked pasta of the year. now go forth and make some amazing feta pasta ! you got this! this recipe is amazing for those searching for pasta dinner recipes .
You can make this into your own kind of baked feta pasta !
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to store leftover feta pasta recipe? Can I freeze it?
To store leftover feta pasta, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the feta can become grainy and the pasta texture may change. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out – think of it like reheating your leftover Sunday roast!
My feta pasta recipe turned out a bit dry. What did I do wrong, and how can I fix it?
A dry feta pasta usually means there wasn't enough moisture in the sauce. This can happen if the tomatoes didn't release enough juices during baking or if the pasta absorbed too much liquid. To fix it, toss in a bit more of the reserved pasta water when combining everything. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil also helps to loosen things up. Next time, make sure your tomatoes are nice and ripe, and don't be shy with the olive oil during baking.
Can I use a different type of pasta for this feta pasta recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and rigatoni are popular choices because their ridges grab the sauce nicely, you can use almost any pasta shape you like. Spaghetti, linguine, or even shells would work well. Just be mindful of the cooking time to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente – nobody wants a soggy bottom, pasta edition!
Is this feta pasta recipe healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This recipe can be part of a balanced diet, but portion control is key, as with most pasta dishes. It offers protein from the feta, antioxidants from the tomatoes, and carbohydrates from the pasta. Be mindful of the sodium content of the feta. To make it healthier, use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables (like spinach or zucchini), and use a lighter hand with the olive oil. You could think of it as your 5-a-day, but with added carbohydrates!
I want to add some extra flavour! What are some good variations for this feta pasta?
Oh, you fancy, eh? The feta pasta recipe is ripe for flavour enhancements! Roast some red peppers along with the tomatoes for a smoky sweetness. Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a dollop of pesto would also be delicious. For a bit of spice, try a pinch of chilli flakes or some chopped fresh chillies.