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This baked Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta, also known as TikTok Feta Pasta, took the internet by storm for a reason – it’s super easy, delicious, and absolutely satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients like feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta, you can create a comforting meal in under an hour. Roasting the feta and tomatoes gives the dish a rich, creamy texture, while the added spinach and basil provide fresh, vibrant flavors. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

8 oz short pasta (like penne, cavatappi, or rotini)
8 oz block of feta cheese
2 pints cherry tomatoes
2 garlic cloves, minced
Zest of 1 lemon + 1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp honey (optional)
¼ cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 large handfuls fresh spinach, chopped
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Optional toppings: chopped kalamata olives, extra chopped basil, red pepper flakes

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center and arrange the cherry tomatoes around it.
Sprinkle the minced garlic and lemon zest over the feta and tomatoes, then drizzle the honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper on top.
Bake the dish uncovered for 35-40 minutes, or until the feta is melted and the tomatoes are softened.
Once out of the oven, mix the cheese and tomatoes together until smooth. Add the chopped spinach and basil, stirring until the spinach wilts.
Toss the mixture with the warm pasta and serve immediately. Top with optional toppings like kalamata olives, basil, or red pepper flakes.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: 534
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 979mg
Potassium: 774mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 2882IU
Vitamin C: 59mg
Calcium: 338mg

A Viral Recipe That’s Here to Stay

This baked feta pasta recipe gained massive popularity on TikTok, and for good reason—it’s incredibly simple and remarkably satisfying. In a world where convenience and flavor are key, this recipe hits the mark. It’s easy enough for beginners to replicate and impressive enough to serve for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a quick meal prep solution, or a dish to feed a crowd, this pasta is sure to deliver.

Part of the charm of this recipe is its minimalism—you don’t need a long list of ingredients or any complex cooking techniques. With just feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta, you can create a meal that feels indulgent, yet still light and healthy. The simplicity of the recipe makes it perfect for busy days when you want something comforting, yet don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen.

The Magic of Roasting Feta and Tomatoes

What makes this recipe so special is the roasting process that transforms the feta cheese and cherry tomatoes into a rich, creamy sauce. When baked, the feta cheese softens and becomes velvety, allowing it to meld seamlessly with the tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil. The tomatoes burst open in the oven, releasing their sweet juices into the feta, which creates a naturally flavorful sauce that needs no extra seasoning beyond a little salt and pepper.

Roasting the ingredients also intensifies the natural flavors of the tomatoes, while the garlic and lemon zest add aromatic notes that bring the dish to life. The result is a sauce that’s both creamy and light, providing a perfect coating for the pasta without feeling overly heavy. It’s a simple yet sophisticated flavor combination that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Adding Freshness with Spinach and Basil

While the roasted feta and tomatoes provide the bulk of the flavor, the addition of fresh spinach and basil adds a burst of freshness and color to the dish. The spinach wilts perfectly into the hot, creamy sauce, infusing it with a mild, earthy flavor that balances the richness of the feta. The basil offers a fragrant herbal note that ties the entire dish together, adding complexity without overwhelming the other flavors.

The combination of roasted feta, sweet tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a balanced dish that’s not too heavy and not too light—just the right amount of creaminess, freshness, and depth. This balance makes the dish incredibly satisfying and versatile, as it can be served as a standalone meal or paired with a side salad or bread for extra variety.

The Versatility of the Recipe

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While the base recipe is simple and delicious, it’s easy to customize to suit your preferences. If you’re a fan of spicy food, you can add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to give the dish some heat. For a cheesy twist, try adding shredded mozzarella or parmesan to the mix before baking.

The pasta used in this dish can also be swapped out based on what you have available or your personal preferences. While short pasta shapes like penne, cavatappi, or rotini work best in this dish, you can also experiment with whole wheat pasta for a healthier option, or even use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. The key is to choose a pasta shape that will hold the sauce and let it cling to each bite.

In addition, you can easily transform this dish into a vegan version by using dairy-free feta and a plant-based pasta, making it accessible for a wider range of diets.

A Balanced Meal That’s Perfect for Any Occasion

Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a well-balanced meal that provides a satisfying mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The feta cheese provides a good amount of protein and calcium, while the pasta delivers carbohydrates for energy. The spinach adds fiber and vitamins, and the tomatoes contribute antioxidants and vitamin C. The result is a meal that not only tastes great but also fuels your body with essential nutrients.

This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you don’t have time to spend hours in the kitchen, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a family gathering or casual dinner party. Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs.

A Quick Meal Prep Solution

For those who like to meal prep, this recipe is a great option to prepare in advance. You can roast the feta and tomatoes, then store them in the refrigerator for up to a few days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook your pasta, warm up the feta and tomato mixture, and toss everything together. This makes it an ideal recipe for those looking for an easy meal prep solution that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort.

This baked feta cherry tomato pasta also freezes well, so you can make a large batch and store portions for later use. This can be a lifesaver on busy days when you need a quick meal but don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Why This Recipe Is So Popular

The reason this baked feta cherry tomato pasta recipe went viral on TikTok is because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers on flavor in a way that’s both comforting and satisfying. The combination of roasted feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a dish that feels indulgent yet isn’t overly rich. It’s a simple, fuss-free recipe that doesn’t require any special cooking techniques, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.

Moreover, the dish can easily be customized to fit a variety of tastes and dietary needs, which is another reason for its popularity. Whether you prefer a spicy kick, a cheesy indulgence, or a vegan variation, this recipe offers flexibility that suits many preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, baked feta cherry tomato pasta is an absolute must-try for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and versatile meal. With its rich, creamy feta sauce and sweet, roasted tomatoes, this dish is both comforting and light, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or an impressive dish to serve at a dinner party, this recipe delivers. The best part is that it’s so simple to make with just a few key ingredients, and it can easily be tailored to suit any taste preference. Give this TikTok sensation a try, and you’ll quickly see why it’s become a viral hit!

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