Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy, tangy, and bursting with sweet roasted tomato flavor, this internet-famous dish lives up to the hype. Everything bakes in one dish—no stove-top sauce making required—and transforms into a luscious, cheesy pasta coated in a garlicky tomato-feta blend. It’s easy, elegant, and deeply satisfying with minimal effort.
What Is Baked Feta Pasta?
Baked Feta Pasta is a viral, one-dish pasta recipe where a block of feta cheese is baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and olive oil until melty and caramelized. Once roasted, the mixture is stirred into hot pasta with fresh basil for a simple yet luxurious dish. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with Mediterranean flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 block (7–8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3–4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 10 oz pasta (short varieties like fusilli, penne, or shells work best)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Substitutions & Variations
- Feta: Swap with goat cheese or a soft, mild ricotta for a different flavor.
- Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes or mixed heirloom cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
- Add-ins: Stir in baby spinach, cooked chicken, olives, or roasted red peppers.
- Pasta: Use gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta for dietary needs.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Add feta, tomatoes, garlic, oil, and seasoning to a baking dish. Roast until soft and bubbly. Meanwhile, cook pasta. Mix everything together with fresh basil and serve hot. It’s that simple!
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven:
Set oven to 400°F (200°C). - Assemble the bake:
In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, smashed garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Nestle the block of feta in the center and drizzle with a bit more oil. - Bake:
Roast for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is golden and soft. - Cook pasta:
While the feta bakes, boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain. - Combine:
Once the feta and tomatoes are done, use a spoon to mash and mix everything together until creamy. Add in the cooked pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. - Finish:
Stir in fresh basil and serve immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not seasoning enough: Salt the pasta water and taste the final dish before serving.
- Using low-quality feta: Go for a firm block-style feta (not crumbled) for best melting.
- Overcooking the pasta: Al dente is key since it finishes in the sauce.
- Skipping the garlic: Roasted garlic brings sweet, mellow depth—don’t leave it out!
Serving & Presentation Tips
Serve in a large shallow bowl, topped with extra basil or a few shavings of Parmesan. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon adds even more flair.
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta
This pasta shines on its own but also pairs well with:
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted or grilled veggies
- Crusty sourdough or garlic bread
- A glass of chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
Presentation Ideas
- Use a white ceramic dish for that clean, Mediterranean look
- Garnish with a fresh basil leaf bouquet in the center
- Add cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes on top before serving
Tips & Tricks for the Best Results
- Let the feta brown slightly on top for added flavor
- Smash some tomatoes and leave others whole for texture
- Use good olive oil—it’s a key flavor in this dish
- Stir pasta in while hot to help absorb the creamy sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crumbled feta?
You can, but block feta melts better and results in a creamier texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but leftovers reheat well. Add a splash of water before reheating to loosen the sauce.
Is it spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes—it’s easy to adjust to your taste.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
You can substitute with spinach, parsley, or a dollop of pesto.
Final Thoughts
Baked Feta Pasta With Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic & Basil is a weeknight game-changer. It’s low-effort, high-reward comfort food that feels fancy but is incredibly approachable. With just a handful of ingredients, you get a vibrant, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation.