Introduction
Welcome to our delicious recipe for Baked Feta Pasta! If you’re a pasta lover, you’re in for a treat. This trendy dish originated from a viral TikTok video and quickly became a sensation. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that combines feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and pasta. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this irresistible Baked Feta Pasta.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to gather:
– 8 ounces of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
– 1 block of feta cheese (about 8 ounces)
– 2 cups of cherry tomatoes
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your feta cheese and tomatoes get perfectly roasted while your pasta cooks.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Take a baking dish and drizzle a bit of olive oil on the bottom to prevent the pasta from sticking. Set it aside for later use.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Toss them together until the tomatoes are well coated with the oil and garlic.
Step 4: Add the Feta Cheese
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. Surround it with the seasoned cherry tomatoes.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the feta cheese is golden and the cherry tomatoes have burst, releasing their sweet juices.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
While the cheese and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 7: Combine the Pasta and Baked Mixture
Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully mash the roasted feta cheese and tomatoes together with a fork. The cheese should easily break apart and create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until well combined.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Divide the Baked Feta Pasta among plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately while it’s still hot and enjoy!
Variations
While the classic Baked Feta Pasta is undeniably delicious, feel free to get creative and add your own twist to the recipe. Here are some variations you can try:
Add Protein
If you’re looking to make this dish more filling, you can add some protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even cooked ground beef can be excellent additions to the pasta.
Vegetarian Version
To make this dish vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the meat and focus on adding more veggies. You can throw in some spinach, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Spice it Up
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the dish. It will give the Baked Feta Pasta a nice kick and elevate the flavor profile.
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you achieve the best results with your Baked Feta Pasta:
– Use high-quality feta cheese for the creamiest and most flavorful sauce.
– Don’t overcook the tomatoes. The burst cherry tomatoes will add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to the dish.
– Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. Fusilli, penne, or even spaghetti can work well in this recipe.
– If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or a food processor to blend the roasted tomatoes and feta cheese together.
Conclusion
Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet incredibly tasty dish that has taken the internet by storm. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a pasta lover or looking for a new recipe to try, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a delicious bowl of Baked Feta Pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While feta cheese is the star of this dish, you can experiment with other types of cheese if you prefer. Goat cheese or a combination of feta and cream cheese can work well.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, you can prepare the roasted feta and tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture in the oven and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
What can I serve with Baked Feta Pasta?
This dish is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Unfortunately, this dish doesn’t freeze well due to the creamy texture of the feta cheese sauce. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Baked Feta Pasta
A simple yet flavorful dish that originated from a viral TikTok video, combining feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and pasta. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
-
8 ounces of pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
-
1 block of feta cheese (about 8 ounces)
-
2 cups of cherry tomatoes
-
4 cloves of garlic, minced
-
1/4 cup of olive oil
-
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Drizzle a bit of olive oil on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil.
-
Place the feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surround it with the seasoned cherry tomatoes.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the feta cheese is golden and tomatoes burst.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
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Mash roasted feta cheese and tomatoes together with a fork. Add cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine.
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Divide the Baked Feta Pasta among plates, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
