BAKED FETA PASTA — Easy TikTok Viral Weeknight Dinner

I still remember the first time I tried baked feta pasta. It was one of those chilly evenings when I wanted something comforting but fuss-free — and a friend sent me that viral TikTok clip. The oven hummed, cherry tomatoes popped, and the feta turned lusciously creamy, coating every strand of pasta. It felt like a tiny kitchen miracle: simple ingredients transforming into something indulgent and bright. Ever since, this dish has become my go-to for busy weeknights, impromptu dinners with friends, or when I just want a no-fail, crowd-pleasing meal. Though the trend exploded on social media, the idea of baking tomatoes with cheese is rooted in Mediterranean cooking — quick, bold, and ingredient-forward.

Who is this recipe for?

• This recipe is perfect for busy parents, beginners in the kitchen, college students, and anyone who loves an easy, flavorful pasta dinner.

Brief overview of core ingredients:

• This dish combines 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, an 8 oz brick of feta cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, olive oil, fresh basil, and 12 oz of cooked bow tie (farfalle) pasta to create a creamy, tangy, and satisfying dinner that’s ready in about 40 minutes.

Tools & Ingredients

Tools

• Medium-sized baking dish — for roasting the tomatoes and feta evenly.
• Measuring spoons — to accurately season the dish.
• Measuring cup — for the olive oil and basil measurements.
• Wooden spoon or spatula — to stir and mash the baked mixture.
• Large pot — to boil the pasta.
• Colander — to drain the pasta.
• Oven mitts — for safe handling of the hot baking dish.
• Serving bowl or skillet — to mix and serve the finished pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups grape tomatoes, washed and dried — benefit: sweet bursts of flavor and vitamin C.
• 1 — 8 oz brick of Feta cheese — benefit: tangy creaminess and a good source of calcium.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning — benefit: savory herbs that add depth without extra prep.
• ½ teaspoon salt — benefit: enhances overall flavor balance.
• 5 tablespoons olive oil — benefit: healthy fats and helps create a silky sauce.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil — benefit: fresh aroma and bright, herbaceous flavor.
• 12 oz bow tie pasta, cooked, drained, and kept warm — benefit: sturdy shape that captures the sauce and feeds a family.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Add 2 ½ cups of washed and dried grape tomatoes to a medium-sized baking dish, spreading them evenly.
3. Place the 8 oz brick of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes.
4. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes and the feta cheese.
5. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and ½ teaspoon of salt evenly over the cheese and tomatoes.
6. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the feta.
7. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens and becomes golden at the edges.
8. Remove the baking dish from the oven and, using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir the softened cheese and roasted tomatoes together until combined into a chunky, creamy sauce.
9. Add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and gently fold into the sauce.
10. Mix the cooked, drained, and kept-warm 12 oz bow tie pasta into the tomato-feta sauce until the pasta is well coated.
11. Serve hot, garnish with extra basil or cracked black pepper if desired.

FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: The finished pasta does not freeze especially well because the texture of the tomatoes and creamy feta changes after thawing. You can freeze the baked tomato and feta sauce separately for up to 1 month; thaw gently and reheat on low, then toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Q: What can I use instead of feta?
A: If you prefer a milder option, try ricotta or a soft goat cheese. For a vegan alternative, use a plant-based feta or a firm vegan cream cheese; you may need to adjust salt to taste.

Q: Can I use larger tomatoes or canned tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes?
A: You can use cherry tomatoes or small plum tomatoes; if using larger tomatoes, chop them down to bite-sized pieces. Canned whole tomatoes will work in a pinch but won’t roast and caramelize the same way — drain them well and expect a looser sauce.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes — swap the bow tie pasta for a gluten-free pasta of your choice and cook according to package instructions.

Tips & Tricks

• Dry the tomatoes well before roasting to encourage better caramelization and reduce excess moisture in the sauce.
• Use room-temperature feta if possible so it softens more evenly in the oven.
• Don’t overbake — the tomatoes should burst but still have a bright flavor; check at 25–30 minutes if your oven runs hot.
• Reserve a little pasta water (about 1/4 cup) when draining the pasta; add a splash if the sauce seems too thick to help it coat the pasta evenly.

Conclusion

If you want to explore more variations and see how this viral dish has been adapted, check out this Best Baked Feta Pasta Recipe, or try the Baked Feta Pasta {With Cherry Tomatoes} for a slightly different take. For step-by-step inspiration from other food bloggers, have a look at the TikTok Baked Feta Pasta guide, the Original Baked Feta Pasta Recipe (Viral Tiktok Pasta) for a classic version, and The Kitchn’s Baked Feta Pasta Recipe for helpful tips. Each of these resources offers useful variations and visuals to help you perfect your own baked feta pasta.

Enjoy this cozy, cheesy meal with friends or family — and don’t forget to share the love (and the recipe)!
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