Baked Feta Pasta

Name: Baked Feta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 pints cherry tomatoes; 8 oz block feta cheese; 1/2 cup olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, cracked; 1 lb penne pasta; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

The original TikTok sensation: a block of feta baked with cherry tomatoes and olive oil until soft and blistered, then mashed into a creamy sauce and tossed with pasta.

45 minEasyServes 4560 cal/serving

GreekDinnerOven and StovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyNut-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 pints cherry tomatoes
8 oz block feta cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, cracked
1 lb penne pasta
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

1

Preheat the oven to 400F.
2

In a large baking dish, combine 2 pints cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper. Toss to coat.
3

Nestle the 8 oz block feta cheese into the center of the tomatoes and spoon a little of the oil over the top.
4

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and lightly golden on top.
5

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 1 lb penne pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
6

Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together into a smooth, creamy sauce.
7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
8

Stir in the 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.

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Questions

How much time should I plan for Baked Feta Pasta?

As written, 45 minutes: 10 of prep and 35 of cooking. The longest single stretch is step 4 (35 minutes): "Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and lightly golden on top."

What temperature do I cook Baked Feta Pasta at?

For Baked Feta Pasta, the oven is set to 400 F (about 205 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 35 minutes, in step 4.

Why save the pasta water for Baked Feta Pasta?

Step 5 reads: "Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain." The water is full of starch. Added back as step 5 directs, it emulsifies the sauce so it clings to the pasta instead of pooling in the bowl.

Is there a substitute for feta in Baked Feta Pasta?

The entry for Baked Feta Pasta calls for 8 oz block feta cheese. In its place: Crumbled queso fresco or ricotta salata is milder but behaves the same. For dairy-free, crumble firm tofu and marinate it in lemon juice and salt.

Is Baked Feta Pasta spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Baked Feta Pasta comes from 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Baked Feta Pasta gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Baked Feta Pasta is 1 lb penne pasta. Swap the pasta for a gluten-free one, cooked a minute short of its package time. Everything else proceeds as written.

Is Baked Feta Pasta vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 8 oz block feta cheese. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dinner collection.

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