Our Baked Feta Pasta recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This trending dish has taken the food world by storm, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why. With a perfect blend of creamy feta cheese, sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and al dente pasta, it’s a cozy comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or a simple weeknight treat.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Meal
- Effortless Preparation . If you’re looking for a dish that practically cooks itself, this is it. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal steps, you’ll have a satisfying pasta meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy and Flavorful . The creamy texture of baked feta combined with roasted cherry tomatoes and aromatic herbs creates a luscious sauce that coats every pasta strand, making each bite a burst of flavor.
- Versatile . While our recipe is a classic rendition, you can easily customize it with additional ingredients like olives, spinach, or artichoke hearts for your own unique twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser . Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, kids, or adults, this pasta dish has a universal appeal. It’s a delightful option for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
This Baked Feta Pasta is a quick and delightful dish that’s perfect for satisfying your pasta cravings. With minimal prep and a burst of Mediterranean flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
How Did This Pasta Get So Popular?
Baked feta pasta became widely popular primarily through social media, particularly on the platform TikTok. Here’s how it gained fame:
- Social Media Virality . A Finnish food blogger named Jenni Häyrinen is often credited with the creation of this dish. She posted the recipe on her blog in 2019. However, it gained global recognition in 2020 when TikTok users discovered the recipe. Short video clips showing the step-by-step process of making baked feta pasta went viral, mainly due to its simplicity and visually appealing results.
- Ease of Preparation . One of the key factors behind the dish’s popularity is its ease of preparation. The one-pan recipe requires minimal effort and uses readily available ingredients. TikTok videos highlighted how quickly it could be put together, making it accessible to a wide range of home cooks, including those with limited cooking experience.
- Visual Appeal . The dish is visually striking, with vibrant roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and fresh herbs. The colorful ingredients and the moment when the feta cheese transforms into a creamy sauce during baking are visually captivating, making it perfect for social media platforms where eye-catching visuals are key.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cherry Tomatoes- The cherry tomatoes are the primary source of flavor and texture in this dish. They are roasted in the oven, where they burst, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a rich, tomatoey sauce for the pasta.
- Feta Cheese Block- The feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty, tangy flavor to the dish. It becomes soft and melty during baking, blending with the roasted tomatoes to form a luscious sauce that coats the pasta.
- Pasta- The pasta serves as the carbohydrate base of the dish. Penne or other pasta varieties work well to hold the sauce.
- Garlic- Minced garlic infuses the dish with a savory, aromatic flavor. It’s combined with the cherry tomatoes and roasted to mellow its intensity while adding depth to the sauce.
- Olive Oil- Olive oil is used to coat the cherry tomatoes and garlic before baking, ensuring they roast evenly and develop rich flavors. It also contributes to the overall creamy texture of the sauce.
- Dried Oregano Dried oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb that imparts a savory, earthy flavor to the dish.
- Dried Basil- Dried basil adds a sweet, herbal note to the dish, enhancing its overall Mediterranean profile. It pairs well with the other herbs and ingredients.
- Red Pepper Flakes- Red pepper flakes provide a hint of spiciness and heat. You can adjust the amount to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- Fresh Basil Leaves- Fresh basil leaves are used as a garnish to add a burst of herbal freshness and a touch of color to the finished dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper- They enhance the flavors of all the other ingredients, ensuring a well-balanced and tasty result.
These ingredients come together to create a simple yet flavorful baked feta pasta that’s become a beloved classic in many kitchens.
How To Make Baked Feta Pasta
- Preheat and Prep . Preheat your oven to 400F. In an oven-safe dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle half of the olive oil over the mixture and toss it all together.
- Create a Well. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Make a slight well around the feta to ensure even baking.
- Bake . Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta cheese. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes burst, and the feta cheese turns golden brown.
- Boil the Pasta . While the feta mixture bakes, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine and Toss. Once the baked ingredients are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the baked feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too dry, use some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish. Plate the Baked Feta Pasta, garnishing it with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Season with more black pepper and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
Tips And Tricks
Making baked feta pasta is relatively simple, but there are some tips and tricks to ensure it turns out delicious:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients . Because this dish is quite simple, the quality of the ingredients matters. Choose good-quality feta cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, and extra-virgin olive oil.
- Adjust the Seasonings . Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer more herbs, adjust the basil and oregano.
- Use Fresh Herbs . While dried herbs work well, using fresh basil can add a burst of flavor. Consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves just before serving.
- Mix It Well . Before baking, ensure that the cherry tomatoes and feta cheese are coated evenly with olive oil and seasonings. This helps distribute the flavors.
Variations
Baked feta pasta is a versatile dish, and you can get creative with various ingredients to create unique variations. Here are some ideas:
- Mediterranean Twist - Add pitted Kalamata olives. Throw in some artichoke hearts. Mix in spinach or arugula for a fresh, leafy element.
- Protein Boost - Serve with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta. Mix in cooked Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Delight - Roast an assortment of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant alongside the tomatoes. Add a handful of pine nuts or toasted almonds for crunch.
What To Serve With Baked Feta Pasta
Baked feta pasta is a delightful and filling dish on its own, but if you’d like to serve it with some complementary sides, here are some options to consider:
- Garlic Bread - A classic choice to complement pasta dishes. The crispy and buttery garlic bread pairs well with the creamy pasta.
- Salad - A fresh, green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the pasta. Consider a Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Roasted Vegetables - You can roast some vegetables alongside the pasta for a complete meal. Zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus work well.
- Bruschetta - A tomato and basil bruschetta is a lovely appetizer to serve before the pasta or as a side dish.
How Long Does It Last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your Baked Feta Pasta will stay fresh for 2-3 days.
Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb more of the sauce over time, so you can add a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of pasta water when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
Can You Freeze It?
Baked feta pasta isn’t the most ideal dish for freezing, primarily because pasta can become mushy and the creamy feta sauce may separate when thawed and reheated.
Best Budget Friendly Recipes
- Pesto Pasta
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Baked Feta Pasta | TikTok Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- ▢ 8 oz Cherry Tomatoes
- ▢ 8 oz Fusilli Pasta
- ▢ 3 cloves Garlic , minced
- ▢ 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- ▢ Fresh Basil , garnish
- ▢ 1/2 tsp Salt
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep . Preheat your oven to 400F. In an oven-safe dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle half of the olive oil over the mixture and toss it all together.
- Create a Well. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Make a slight well around the feta to ensure even baking.
- Bake . Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta cheese. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes burst, and the feta cheese turns golden brown.
- Boil the Pasta . While the feta mixture bakes, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine and Toss. Once the baked ingredients are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the baked feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too dry, use some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish. Plate the Baked Feta Pasta, garnishing it with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Season with more black pepper and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
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Baked Feta Pasta | TikTok Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz Cherry Tomatoes
- 8 oz Fusilli Pasta
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
- Fresh Basil garnish
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep . Preheat your oven to 400F. In an oven-safe dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle half of the olive oil over the mixture and toss it all together.
- Create a Well. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Make a slight well around the feta to ensure even baking.
- Bake . Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta cheese. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cherry tomatoes burst, and the feta cheese turns golden brown.
- Boil the Pasta . While the feta mixture bakes, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine and Toss. Once the baked ingredients are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to gently mash the baked feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together. If the mixture seems too dry, use some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish. Plate the Baked Feta Pasta, garnishing it with fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired. Season with more black pepper and red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat.
Baked Feta Pasta | TikTok Pasta Recipe https://twosleevers.com/baked-feta-pasta/
Are you ready to elevate your breakfast and dessert game with a delectable and versatile topping? Look no further! Our homemade Maple Butter recipe is a game-changer, offering a rich and creamy spread that’s perfect for pancakes, waffles, toast, and so much more.
Why You’ll Want To Eat It On Everything
- Irresistible Flavor . Combines the natural sweetness of pure maple syrup with rich creaminess. It’s a match made in culinary heaven, and you’ll keep coming back for more.
- Versatile . Use it on a wide range of dishes, from breakfast favorites like pancakes and waffles to desserts like ice cream and apple pie. It’s also a delightful addition to roasted vegetables and meats.
- Homemade Goodness . Making your own allows you to control the quality of the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking.
- Great for Gifting . Share the love by gifting jars of homemade compound butter to family and friends. It’s a thoughtful and delicious present for any occasion.
Enjoy the sweet and creamy delight of homemade s weet compound butter. Whether you’re spreading it on breakfast items or using it to enhance your favorite recipes, this versatile topping is sure to become a kitchen favorite.
What Is The Difference Between Maple Butter And Maple Syrup?
Maple butter and maple syrup both offer the delightful taste of maple but differ in terms of consistency, culinary applications, and production methods.
While one is a popular sweet topping, the other provides a creamy and concentrated maple flavor, perfect for spreading on various baked goods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Maple butter is a simple yet decadent condiment. Here are the key ingredients:
- 1/4 Cup Pure Maple Syrup - Choose high-quality, pure maple syrup for the best flavor. You can use different grades for varying flavor profiles.
- 8 TBSP Unsalted Butter - High-quality unsalted butter is the base of this recipe. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature.
- A Pinch of Salt - A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the maple syrup.
How To Make Maple Butter
Making homemade maple butter is a breeze. Follow these easy steps:
- Soften the Butter . Allow the unsalted butter to come to room temperature. This makes it easier to blend with the maple syrup.
- Mix Maple Syrup and Butter . In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and pure maple syrup. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Blend Until Creamy . Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to blend the mixture. Start on low speed to prevent splattering, then gradually increase to medium-high. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust . Give your maple butter a taste test. If you’d like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a deeper maple flavor, add a touch of pure maple extract.
Tips And Tricks
Making homemade maple butter is a delightful process that allows you to enjoy the rich and creamy flavors of syrup in a spreadable form. Here are some tips and tricks for making it:
- Quality Maple Syrup . Start with high-quality pure maple syrup. The flavor and quality of your maple butter depend on the syrup, so choose a grade that matches your taste preference.
- Air-Tight Containers. Store it in an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to crystallization.
Variations
Maple butter is delicious on its own, but you can also get creative with variations:
- Cinnamon - Add a pinch of ground cinnamon for a warm, spicy twist.
- Honey Maple Butter - Combine honey and maple syrup for a unique flavor combination.
- Vanilla - A dash of pure vanilla extract adds a delightful aroma.
- Pecan - Mix in finely chopped toasted pecans for a delightful crunch.
What Is Maple Syrup Good For?
Maple butter is a versatile topping that pairs wonderfully with various dishes:
- Pancakes and Waffles - A classic choice. Drizzle it over your breakfast favorites.
- Toast - Spread maple flavored butter on warm toast for a quick and delightful treat.
- Muffins - It’s a fantastic muffin spread that adds a touch of sweetness.
- Biscuits - Enjoy it on warm biscuits straight from the oven.
- Ice Cream - Create a gourmet dessert by drizzling it over your favorite ice cream.
- Roasted Vegetables - Use it as a glaze for roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash.
- Grilled Meats - Baste chicken, pork, or salmon with maple butter for a sweet and savory twist.
It’s important to note that while maple syrup offers certain health benefits, it is still a source of sugar and should be consumed in moderation, particularly for individuals who need to manage their sugar intake due to health conditions like diabetes.
Also, make sure you’re using pure maple syrup rather than artificial maple-flavored syrups, which are typically loaded with sugar and artificial additives.
Does Maple Butter Need To Be Refrigerated?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your homemade maple butter will last for several weeks. Be sure to check for any signs of spoilage, such as changes in color or odor, before using.
Can You Freeze It?
Properly frozen, homemade maple butter can be stored in the freezer for several months without significant loss of quality. When you’re ready to use it, simply remove the desired portion from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator.
More Delicious Sauces
- Big Mac Sauce
- Keto Whipped Topping
- Yum Yum Sauce
- Ginger Garlic Paste
- Japanese BBQ Sauce
Maple Butter Recipe | Delicious Homemade Compound Butter
Ingredients
- ▢ 8 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- ▢ 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
- ▢ 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt
Instructions
- Soften the Butter . Allow the unsalted butter to come to room temperature. This makes it easier to blend with the maple syrup.
- Mix Maple Syrup and Butter . In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and pure maple syrup. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Blend Until Creamy . Use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to blend the mixture. Start on low speed to prevent splattering, then gradually increase to medium-high. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Taste and Adjust . Give your maple butter a taste test. If you’d like it sweeter, add more maple syrup. For a deeper maple flavor, add a touch of pure maple extract.
