Skip to content 
Oh my goodness, have you tried the baked feta pasta that took over TikTok? I remember scrolling past it one lazy Sunday afternoon, thinking, “There’s NO way something that simple could taste that good.” But wow, was I wrong! This dish completely changed my weeknight dinner game. Just toss a block of feta and some cherry tomatoes in a dish, bake until magic happens, stir it into pasta – and bam! You’ve got the creamiest, most flavorful meal with almost zero effort.
My husband still can’t believe how incredible baked feta pasta tastes considering how little work goes into it. The first time I made it, he peeked into the oven halfway through and skeptically asked, “That’s it? Those five ingredients?” But when he took that first bite of the silky, roasted tomato and feta sauce clinging to al dente penne, his eyes lit up brighter than my oven at 400°F. Now it’s our go-to “I’m too tired to cook but want something amazing” dinner – especially perfect for busy weeknights when meal planning falls by the wayside.
What I love most is how this recipe embodies everything I stand for in my kitchen: minimal prep, maximum flavor, and that joyful moment when simple ingredients transform into something spectacular. Trust me, once you try this viral sensation, you’ll understand why millions of home cooks (including this skeptical one!) fell completely in love.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Feta Pasta
This easy feta pasta recipe is about to become your new obsession—and here’s why:
- Almost no prep! Just plop that feta block down, scatter some tomatoes, and let the oven do all the work while you relax (or chase kids, or fold laundry… no judgment).
- Creamiest sauce ever – and no heavy cream needed! That melted feta blends with roasted tomato juices into something downright luxurious.
- Perfect for meal planning – I’ve doubled the recipe to pack lunches all week (it reheats like a dream).
- One pan, baby! This sheet pan feta dinner means minimal cleanup – my kind of weeknight miracle.
- Crazy versatile – toss in whatever veggies you’ve got, or add protein like shrimp for a heartier meal.
Trust me, once you taste that rich, tangy sauce clinging to tender pasta, you’ll be making this viral dish on repeat like the rest of us!
Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta
Okay, let me share exactly what you’ll need for this magical dish – and why each ingredient matters! I’ve made this so many times now (no shame) that I can tell you exactly what works best.
- 8 oz block of full-fat feta cheese – Don’t even think about using crumbles or low-fat here! The block melts into that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes – The sweet little ones burst beautifully. I grab whatever looks good – grape tomatoes work too!
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything’s better with garlic. Sometimes I cheat with pre-minced if I’m in a hurry!
- 1/4 cup good olive oil – This is where splurging a little makes a difference in flavor.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes – Just enough kick without being too spicy (but add more if you’re feeling daring!)
- 8 oz pasta – Penne’s my favorite, but any short pasta works great here.
- Small bunch fresh basil – For that bright pop of color and flavor at the end.
That’s it! Seven simple ingredients sitting in your pantry or fridge right now, just waiting to become something extraordinary.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Alright friend, let me walk you through exactly how I make this creamy masterpiece – it’s so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner! The magic happens in two easy parts: roasting the feta and tomatoes to saucy perfection, then bringing everything together with pasta that’ll have you licking the plate clean.
Preparing the Baking Dish
First, grab your favorite baking dish – I use a cute 8×8 ceramic one, but anything oven-proof works! Plop that glorious feta block right in the center like it’s the star of the show (because it is). Scatter the cherry tomatoes all around like little red jewels, then sprinkle the minced garlic like edible confetti. Drizzle that good olive oil over everything – don’t be shy! Finish with a happy shower of red pepper flakes. That’s it – no stirring required!
Baking and Combining with Pasta
While your oven preheats to 400°F, start boiling water for pasta. Roast that beauty for about 30 minutes – you’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes burst open and the feta gets soft and golden. Here’s my favorite part: take a fork and watch as the feta and tomatoes magically transform into the creamiest feta sauce ever. Drain your cooked pasta (reserve a little starchy water!), then toss it right in the baking dish. Stir gently until every noodle is coated in that luscious sauce – add pasta water if needed to reach perfect consistency. Finish with torn fresh basil and maybe extra pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy!
Pro tip: That feta keeps getting creamier as it sits, so don’t panic if it seems a bit chunky at first – just keep stirring and watch the magic happen. And trust me, take one bite of this comfort-in-a-bowl and you’ll understand why the whole internet went crazy for it!
Tips for Perfect Baked Feta Pasta
After making this baked feta pasta more times than I can count (seriously, my neighbors now recognize the smell!), I’ve learned all the little tricks to guarantee perfection every single time. Here are my absolute must-know tips:
- Only full-fat feta need apply! That block of good-quality feta makes ALL the difference in creaminess. I learned the hard way that crumbles or low-fat versions just don’t melt right.
- Play with your heat level – Start with 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, then adjust. My spice-loving sister adds a whole teaspoon… and sweats happily through dinner!
- Add protein easily – Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas during the final mix for a heartier meal. Leftover rotisserie chicken is my lazy-day hero.
- Save that pasta water! The starchy liquid is gold for adjusting sauce consistency. I keep about 1/2 cup aside just in case.
- Let it sit a minute – The sauce keeps developing as it cools slightly. Resist digging in immediately (I know, it’s hard!) for maximum creaminess.
One last secret? Sometimes I stir in a handful of baby spinach right after baking – the residual heat wilts it perfectly while sneaking in some greens. Don’t tell my kids!
Serving Suggestions for Baked Feta Pasta
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this glorious baked feta pasta! First, I always tear up extra fresh basil right on top – those bright green leaves make it look fancy with zero effort. A basket of warm, crusty bread is non-negotiable in my house – perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Sometimes I’ll toss together a quick arugula salad with lemon dressing on the side to cut through the richness. And if we’re feeling fancy? A chilled glass of crisp white wine turns this simple dish into a proper dinner party star!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Okay, I’ll let you in on my best baked feta pasta leftovers trick! Store any extras (if you’re lucky enough to have some!) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk and warm gently over low heat, stirring often – this keeps that creamy texture perfect. Microwave works too – just cover and use 50% power in short bursts, stirring between each. Pro tip: The flavors actually get richer overnight!
Baked Feta Pasta Variations
Here’s the beautiful thing about this baked feta pasta – it begs to be played with! Once you’ve got the basic recipe down, the variations are endless. My absolute favorite twist is tossing in a big handful of fresh spinach right after baking – the heat wilts it perfectly while sneaking in some greens (shh, don’t tell my kids). Out of cherry tomatoes? Sun-dried tomatoes pack an incredible flavor punch – just use about 1 cup since they’re more concentrated. For my gluten-free friends, this works beautifully with your favorite gluten-free pasta – my neighbor swears by the chickpea pasta version for extra protein. And if you’re meal planning for the week, roasted zucchini or mushrooms make fantastic additions that hold up well in leftovers. The possibilities? Totally endless!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick note – these nutritional estimates can vary depending on your specific ingredients and brands used. While I aim for accuracy, I always recommend checking labels if you’re tracking closely!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get so many questions about this viral baked feta pasta – here are the ones that pop up most often from fellow home cooks!
Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Oh honey, I made this mistake once and learned my lesson! Crumbled feta just doesn’t create that same lusciously creamy sauce as a solid block. The block melts beautifully while keeping its structure, while crumbles tend to dry out. If crumbled is all you have, try pressing it together tightly before baking – but trust me, the block is worth tracking down!
How do I make my baked feta pasta spicier?
Love some heat? Me too! Simply amp up those red pepper flakes – I’ll sometimes use a full teaspoon when I’m feeling adventurous. For serious spice lovers, add a pinch of cayenne pepper before baking too. My brother-in-law even throws in some chopped fresh chili – just be ready with a glass of milk!
Can I make this ahead for meal planning?
Absolutely! This easy feta pasta actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Just keep the sauce and pasta separate until you’re ready to serve – that way the noodles don’t soak up all the sauce. When meal planning, I’ll often roast double the feta and tomatoes to have ready for quick weeknight dinners!
What if my sauce seems too thick?
No panic needed! That starchy pasta water you saved is your magic fixer. Just add a tablespoon or two and stir – watch how it transforms into the perfect silky consistency. If you forgot to save water (we’ve all been there!), warm milk or even a splash of olive oil works in a pinch.
Can I add other veggies to my sheet pan feta dinner?
Please do! I love tossing in sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms before baking – they roast up beautifully alongside the tomatoes. Just cut them small so they cook through in the same 30 minutes. Frozen veggies work too – no need to thaw, just add them straight from the freezer!
Baked Feta Pasta
A simple, creamy pasta dish with roasted feta and tomatoes, inspired by the viral TikTok trend.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 8 oz pasta (penne or similar)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place feta block in the center of a baking dish. Surround with cherry tomatoes and minced garlic.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Mix roasted feta and tomatoes with pasta until creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat feta for the creamiest texture.
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg