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Viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Recipe

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4.3 from 14 reviews

This Original Baked Feta Pasta is a viral TikTok sensation combining the creamy tang of baked feta with burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil to create a luscious, flavorful sauce served over perfectly al dente pasta. This simple yet indulgent dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, delivering vibrant Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 lb bowtie or orzo pasta

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes (about 20-25 oz)
  • 1 8 oz block feta cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 pinches red pepper flakes
  • 1 handful fresh basil leaves
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Balsamic glaze (optional, for sweetening if tomatoes are too sour)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Tomatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and a pinch of kosher salt. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
  2. Add Feta and Season: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish atop the tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with red pepper flakes.
  3. Bake the Feta and Tomatoes: Bake the dish at 400°F for 30 minutes to soften the feta and tomatoes.
  4. Cook Pasta: While baking, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining.
  5. Increase Oven Temperature: After the initial 30 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 450°F and bake the feta and tomatoes for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are slightly browned and blistered.
  6. Add Aromatics: Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately add the chopped garlic and fresh basil leaves. Stir well to combine so the residual heat will gently soften the garlic and release basil aromas.
  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and toss with the feta-tomato mixture. Season with salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste. If the sauce seems dry, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen and create a silky texture.
  8. Adjust Flavor: If the tomatoes are out of season and taste too sour, drizzle balsamic glaze over the pasta and toss gently to balance the flavors.

Notes

  • Using fresh, high-quality cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavor greatly.
  • Bowtie or orzo pasta works best to hold onto the creamy sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • For a milder dish, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
  • This recipe can be easily doubled for larger servings.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/viral-tiktok-baked-feta-pasta-with-cherry-tomatoes-and-basil-recipe/