Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes (TikTok Famous!)
You’ve seen it. You’ve drooled over it. Maybe you’ve even thought, “It can’t possibly be that good.” Well—spoiler alert—it is. And it’s even better when you make it right.
This baked feta pasta took over TikTok for a reason: it’s stupidly easy, stupidly delicious, and kind of makes you feel like a culinary genius even though all you did was throw stuff in a pan and walk away for 30 minutes.
It’s creamy, tangy, and basically magic with almost zero effort. And yes, it really is that good.
Why This Recipe Went Viral (And Still Deserves the Hype)
It’s got the three magic pillars of viral success:
- Low effort.
- Aesthetic AF.
- Tastes like something from a chic little cafe in Europe.
Here’s the deal: the oven does all the heavy lifting. The feta gets soft and melty, the tomatoes burst and turn sweet, and everything blends into this creamy, salty, tangy sauce that coats pasta like it was born for it.
Also—one baking dish, one pot, done. You’re welcome.
What You’ll Need
This is pantry-friendly and weeknight-hero status:
- 1 block (7–8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced or smashed
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended)
- Fresh basil for serving
- 10 oz pasta (short shapes work best—think fusilli, rotini, penne)
Let’s Bake Some Internet-Famous Pasta
1. Preheat the oven
Get that oven going at 400°F (200°C). It needs to be hot enough to blister those tomatoes and melt the feta into creamy perfection.
2. Build your flavor bomb
In a baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Then make a little space in the center and plop the whole block of feta right in there. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top, just to show you care.
3. Bake and forget
Put it in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and look roasted, and the feta is soft and slightly golden on top.
Pro tip: If you want a bit more browning on the feta, broil it for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch it like a hawk though. Cheese burns fast. So do hopes.
4. Cook the pasta
While everything’s baking, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. (Yes, again. This is becoming a theme. For good reason.)
5. Mix it all together
Once the feta and tomatoes are done, take a spoon or spatula and smash it all up into a creamy sauce right in the baking dish. Add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved water to loosen things up. Stir until every noodle is coated in that dreamy, creamy tomato-feta goodness.
6. Add basil and serve
Tear up some fresh basil and sprinkle on top like the domestic deity you are. Serve hot, warm, cold—honestly, this stuff slaps at any temperature.
Optional Add-Ins (To Impress Yourself or Others)
- Spinach or arugula – stir it in after baking for a little green situation
- Roasted chicken or shrimp – for protein that pairs well
- Sun-dried tomatoes or olives – for Mediterranean energy
- Lemon zest – for a hit of brightness to balance the richness
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Let’s Not Ruin This)
- Using crumbled feta. Nope. It won’t melt the same. Use a block. Trust me.
- Too much pasta, not enough sauce. Stick to 10 oz unless you like dry disappointment.
- Undersalting the pasta water. This is your only chance to season the noodles. Don’t mess it up.
FAQs You Were Probably Already Thinking
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but it’s best fresh. If reheating, add a splash of water or milk to bring it back to life.
Can I use a different cheese?
You can, but it won’t be the same. Feta’s tangy sharpness is what makes this pop. That said, goat cheese or ricotta might work in a pinch (but also… don’t tell the internet).
What if I hate tomatoes?
Then… this probably isn’t your dish? 😬 But you could try roasted red peppers instead.
Final Thoughts
Baked feta pasta is comfort food with a side of “wow, I made this?” It’s fast, it’s easy, and it’s 100% worth the hype.
So if you haven’t made this yet—congrats, you’re about to join the millions of us who’ve fallen into the feta trap and loved every bite.
