Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

If there’s one dish to bring excitement back to your weeknight rotation, it’s absolutely Baked Feta Pasta! Creamy, dreamy, and full of sweet roasted tomatoes, herbaceous basil, and that signature tangy feta, this viral pasta recipe is totally worth the hype—and I promise, it’s as easy as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Minimum Effort, Maximum Flavor: You simply bake everything together, stir, and voilà—restaurant-quality comfort food is on your table in under an hour.
  • Ridiculously Creamy Sauce: The magic happens in the oven, with feta softening and cherry tomatoes bursting to create a luscious, tangy-sweet sauce that tastes totally decadent.
  • Customizable for Every Palate: You can swap ingredients to match what’s in your kitchen or dietary needs—this Baked Feta Pasta is as creative as you are.
  • Perfect for Sharing: It feeds a crowd, making this the ultimate pasta for gatherings, family dinners, or showing off a viral TikTok favorite to your friends!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Baked Feta Pasta is delightfully short and every component serves a purpose, building layers of flavor and texture you’ll want to savor. Together, they capture the heart of Mediterranean comfort food in every bite!

  • Cavatappi Pasta (8 ounces): Its ridges, twists, and curves are perfect for soaking up all that creamy feta-tomato sauce. Any short pasta will work!
  • Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints): When roasted, they burst with intense juicy sweetness, providing the backbone of the sauce.
  • Block Feta Cheese (8 ounces): Opt for a whole block, not pre-crumbled, for the absolute creamiest results with bold, tangy notes.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil (½ cup): Adds richness and helps everything roast and meld together—choose a good-quality oil for the best flavor.
  • Salt (¼ teaspoon): Brightens and enhances every ingredient without overpowering.
  • Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Brings a gentle, earthy kick that balances the feta’s briny zing.
  • Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that irresistible aromatic warmth that infuses the sauce as soon as it hits the hot pan.
  • Fresh Basil (¼ cup, chopped, plus more for serving): The ultimate finishing touch! Basil livens up each bite with vibrant color and a fragrant, summery flavor.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Baked Feta Pasta was practically invented for experimentation—feel free to riff and adjust based on what you love or what’s hanging out in your fridge! If you need to make it gluten-free, dairy-free, or just want new flavors, you’ve got options galore.

  • Switch Up the Pasta: Use penne, fusilli, gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter twist.
  • Add in Veggies: Stir in roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or even a handful of baby arugula to up the nutrition and color.
  • Boost the Protein: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, white beans, or chickpeas for a heartier main course.
  • Try a Different Cheese: For a milder flavor, swap feta with softened ricotta or a tangy goat cheese—each lends a unique creaminess.
  • Make It Spicy: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil easily turns up the heat.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

Step 1: Prep and Layer the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Grab a medium-sized oven-safe baking dish and tumble in your cherry tomatoes. Drizzle generously with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss until every tomato is glistening and perfectly seasoned.

Step 2: Nestle the Feta

Make a little well in the center of the tomato party and place your block of feta right in the middle. Flip the feta a couple times so it’s well coated in olive oil and seasoning—this ensures every bite melts beautifully!

Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Bake the dish in your preheated oven for about 35 minutes. The tomatoes will burst and caramelize, and the feta will soften and take on a gloriously melty, golden look. It will smell so good, you’ll want to dive in right away (almost there!).

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While everything is roasting, set a big pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining—you may want it to adjust the sauce later.

Step 5: Stir in Garlic and Basil

With the dish still hot from the oven, immediately sprinkle in the minced garlic and chopped fresh basil. Their aromas release instantly, infusing your sauce with fantastic depth and bright herbal notes.

Step 6: Toss Everything Together

Add your cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss everything together until the tomatoes, feta, and herbs coat each piece in creamy, tangy sauce. If it looks a little thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Top with more fresh basil if you’d like, and serve while piping hot!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta Pasta

  • Choose Block Feta for Creaminess: Always use a whole block of feta instead of pre-crumbled for the smoothest, silkiest sauce that melts evenly and emulsifies with the roasted tomatoes.
  • Get the Best Tomato Burst: Use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, and let the dish bake until they actually burst—their juices are the secret to the sauce’s sweet, jammy magic!
  • Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserving a little pasta cooking water lets you adjust the sauce’s consistency, making it silky and perfectly clingy to your noodles.
  • Add Aromatics Post-Bake: Stir in garlic and basil right after baking, while everything’s hot—this preserves their fresh flavors and ensures they don’t burn or get bitter.

How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Baked Feta Pasta absolutely shines with a sprinkle of extra chopped fresh basil, a few grinds of black pepper, and a drizzle of fruity olive oil. If you’re feeling a little fancy, finish with some lemon zest or a handful of toasted pine nuts for crunch—you’ll love the texture and pop of flavor!

Side Dishes

Pair your pasta with a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a medley of roasted Mediterranean veggies. Warm, crusty bread is a must for swiping up extra sauce, and if you’re looking to round things out, some marinated olives or a simple antipasto board can make dinner feel downright celebratory.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring the wow factor by serving Baked Feta Pasta straight from the bubbling baking dish at the table—it looks impressive and makes sharing easy. For appetizers, spoon small portions into mini bowls and sprinkle with microgreens. Or, go picnic-style and pack it up in jars for lunch-on-the-go that’ll turn heads at work or school!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got extra Baked Feta Pasta? Lucky you! Allow leftovers to cool completely before sealing them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days without losing their signature flavor or creaminess.

Freezing

While Baked Feta Pasta tastes best fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Just keep in mind that the texture of the feta will change a bit after thawing, so I recommend this only if you have lots of leftovers.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the pasta and gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well to restore that saucy magic—add a touch of olive oil or extra basil before serving to freshen things up!

FAQs

  1. Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block for Baked Feta Pasta?

    Using a whole block of feta is highly recommended—it melts much better than pre-crumbled feta, which can dry out during baking. A block creates the creamiest, silkiest sauce possible!

  2. What pasta shapes work best with this recipe?

    Cavatappi is a favorite for Baked Feta Pasta because its twists hold onto the sauce, but penne, fusilli, rotini, or any short pasta shape will also work beautifully. Even long noodles like spaghetti add a fun twist!

  3. Can I make Baked Feta Pasta dairy-free?

    Yes! Simply substitute the feta with a dairy-free feta alternative or a vegan cream cheese. The garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil still create tons of flavor for a luscious, plant-based dish.

  4. How do I keep the sauce from being too thick or dry?

    If your sauce seems thick after tossing everything together, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water. This loosens the sauce and makes it cling even better to your pasta (never skip this chef’s trick!).

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Baked Feta Pasta was an instant internet sensation—the combination of roasted tomatoes, creamy feta, and fresh basil really is pure happiness in a bowl. If you haven’t tried it yet (or even if you have!), it’s the most satisfying dinner to make for yourself or people you love. Give it a go and let your kitchen fill with cheers and chatter.

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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 77 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a viral sensation that is easy to make and bursting with flavor. Juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic basil come together to create a simple yet delicious pasta dish that will become a family favorite.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces cavatappi pasta or pasta of choice

Baked Feta Mixture:

  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 8 ounce block feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, packed and chopped, plus more for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Prepare the Baked Feta Mixture: In an oven-safe baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
  3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta melts.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some cooking liquid.
  5. Combine: Add garlic and basil to the baked mixture. Toss in the cooked pasta. Garnish with more basil.

Notes

  • Recipe inspiration from Grilled Cheese Social.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
  • Substitutes: Use any pasta, whole tomatoes, or gluten-free options.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 430 kcal
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 548mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 34mg

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