Baked Feta Pasta has taken the culinary world by storm, and it’s no surprise why this dish is a global favorite. It is simple yet bursting with flavor, featuring the perfect combination of creamy, tangy feta cheese, sweet roasted cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic garlic. This recipe, inspired by the viral TikTok sensation, takes it a step further with the use of tortellini pasta, making it even more satisfying and cheesy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. With minimal effort, you’ll create a restaurant-worthy meal that is as delicious as it is visually appealing.
PrintBaked Feta Pasta Recipe: A Cheesy, Garlicky Delight
🍝✨ Indulge in the creamy, garlicky goodness of Baked Feta Pasta! 🧀🍅 This one-pan wonder is loaded with roasted tomatoes, melty feta, and bold garlic flavors—all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. 😍 Ready in no time, it’s the ultimate comfort meal! 🔥
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- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint): Cherry tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and ideal for roasting. Their natural sugars caramelize in the oven, intensifying their flavor and adding a touch of natural sweetness to the dish.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): A high-quality olive oil is essential to coat the tomatoes, feta, and garlic, helping them roast evenly and enhancing their natural flavors.
- Garlic (5 cloves, smashed): Garlic is the backbone of this dish, offering a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil (12 leaves, sliced): Basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce. It also provides a beautiful pop of color when garnished on top.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the dish. Use freshly cracked black pepper for an extra touch of spice.
- Feta Cheese (8 ounces, block or crumbles): Feta is the star ingredient. Opt for a block of feta for the best creamy texture and bold, tangy flavor. When baked, it melts into a luscious sauce that binds all the elements together.
- Tortellini Pasta (15-20 ounces): Tortellini takes this recipe to the next level, providing an extra layer of cheesy goodness. The stuffed pasta pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a final touch of nutty, salty flavor that ties the dish together.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the tomatoes and baking the feta until golden and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients In a 9-inch square baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic cloves, half of the sliced basil, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and toss until everything is evenly coated. Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, ensuring it is surrounded by the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta for added richness.
Step 3: Bake the Dish Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. During this time, the cherry tomatoes will soften and burst, releasing their sweet juices. The feta cheese will become golden on top and melt into a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta While the tomatoes and feta bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Once the tomato and feta mixture is done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce. The juices from the roasted tomatoes will blend with the melted feta and olive oil to form a luxurious base.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce Add the cooked tortellini to the baking dish and toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the mixture appears dry, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining sliced basil. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, comforting plate of Baked Feta Pasta.
Notes
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe relies on just a few ingredients, their quality is essential. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a good-quality block of feta cheese.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is rich in starch, which helps bind the sauce and achieve a silky texture. Add it sparingly until you reach the desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The feta cheese is naturally salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
At the heart of this recipe is its simplicity. All you need is a handful of fresh, wholesome ingredients and a single baking dish to prepare a luxurious pasta that tastes like hours of work went into it. The magic lies in the oven, where the ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The cherry tomatoes blister and burst, releasing their natural juices, while the feta cheese softens into a creamy, tangy sauce. When combined with freshly cooked tortellini, the result is an irresistible meal that balances richness, freshness, and a hint of savory depth.
Let’s dive into the details of this incredible dish and explore how you can create your own version at home.
Ingredients
The beauty of this Baked Feta Pasta recipe is its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture:
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 pint): Cherry tomatoes are sweet, juicy, and ideal for roasting. Their natural sugars caramelize in the oven, intensifying their flavor and adding a touch of natural sweetness to the dish.
- Olive Oil (3 tablespoons): A high-quality olive oil is essential to coat the tomatoes, feta, and garlic, helping them roast evenly and enhancing their natural flavors.
- Garlic (5 cloves, smashed): Garlic is the backbone of this dish, offering a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the creamy feta and sweet tomatoes.
- Fresh Basil (12 leaves, sliced): Basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce. It also provides a beautiful pop of color when garnished on top.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): These simple seasonings enhance the natural flavors of the dish. Use freshly cracked black pepper for an extra touch of spice.
- Feta Cheese (8 ounces, block or crumbles): Feta is the star ingredient. Opt for a block of feta for the best creamy texture and bold, tangy flavor. When baked, it melts into a luscious sauce that binds all the elements together.
- Tortellini Pasta (15-20 ounces): Tortellini takes this recipe to the next level, providing an extra layer of cheesy goodness. The stuffed pasta pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup, grated): A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a final touch of nutty, salty flavor that ties the dish together.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating this Baked Feta Pasta is as easy as it is rewarding. Here’s how to prepare it from start to finish:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the tomatoes and baking the feta until golden and creamy.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients In a 9-inch square baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic cloves, half of the sliced basil, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and toss until everything is evenly coated. Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, ensuring it is surrounded by the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little extra olive oil over the feta for added richness.
Step 3: Bake the Dish Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. During this time, the cherry tomatoes will soften and burst, releasing their sweet juices. The feta cheese will become golden on top and melt into a creamy consistency.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta While the tomatoes and feta bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tortellini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the rest.
Step 5: Create the Sauce Once the tomato and feta mixture is done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce. The juices from the roasted tomatoes will blend with the melted feta and olive oil to form a luxurious base.
Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce Add the cooked tortellini to the baking dish and toss until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. If the mixture appears dry, gradually stir in the reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve Sprinkle the dish with grated Parmesan cheese and the remaining sliced basil. Serve immediately and enjoy a warm, comforting plate of Baked Feta Pasta.
Flavor and Texture
This dish is a feast for the senses. The creamy, tangy feta cheese is perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes. The garlic adds a savory depth that ties everything together, while the basil contributes a fresh, herbaceous finish. The tortellini pasta is tender and cheesy, providing a satisfying bite that complements the smooth, velvety sauce. Each forkful delivers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.
Tips for Success
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe relies on just a few ingredients, their quality is essential. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and a good-quality block of feta cheese.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is rich in starch, which helps bind the sauce and achieve a silky texture. Add it sparingly until you reach the desired consistency.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The feta cheese is naturally salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences:
- Add Protein: Incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta for a heartier meal.
- Vegetarian Options: Add roasted zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and variety.
- Spicy Twist: Sprinkle red chili flakes or drizzle chili oil over the dish for a spicy kick.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions.
- Vegan Adaptation: Replace the feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free tortellini.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Baked Feta Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette or a slice of garlic bread for a complete meal. For drinks, a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the dish beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Baked Feta Pasta is more than just a viral recipe—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and simple cooking. This dish is proof that with the right ingredients and a little creativity, you can transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a guaranteed success. Try it today and savor the deliciousness of this cheesy, garlicky masterpiece!