TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

TikTok’s Baked Feta Pasta! Loaded with cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic garlic, this recipe is a flavor explosion. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Elevate your dinner game with this trending dish – click now for the ultimate culinary experience!

Ingredients for TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

• 1 pound bowtie pasta
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 2 pints (20 oz) cherry tomatoes
• 1 (8-ounce) block feta cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 pinches red pepper flakes
• 1 handful fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your dish cooks evenly and the tomatoes blister perfectly.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish

In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes with 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil and a generous pinch of salt. Toss the tomatoes to ensure they are well-coated with the oil and salt. This step is crucial for the tomatoes to release their juices and create a rich base for the sauce.

3. Add the Feta Cheese

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, nestled among the tomatoes. Drizzle the feta with a bit more olive oil and sprinkle with red pepper flakes. This will help the cheese brown beautifully and add a touch of heat to the dish.

4. Bake

Bake the dish for 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. After 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. The feta should be browned and the tomatoes should be blistered and slightly charred. This high-heat finish enhances the flavors and textures.

5. Cook the Pasta

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook it al dente, as it will absorb some of the sauce later. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the noodles. This starchy water will help to thicken the sauce if needed.

6. Mix the Sauce

Once the baking dish is out of the oven, add the finely chopped garlic and fresh basil leaves. The residual heat will cook the garlic just enough to take off its raw edge, while the basil will release its fragrant oils. Stir everything together, breaking up the feta cheese and smashing the tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.

7. Combine with Pasta

Toss the cooked pasta into the baking dish, mixing thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the sauce. If the mixture seems too dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Your TikTok baked feta pasta is ready to serve! Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired, and enjoy this creamy, tangy, and utterly delicious pasta dish.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: While feta cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different.

Q: What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
A: Bowtie pasta is great, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long does the leftover pasta last?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: The dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.