Baked Feta Pasta

The Baked Feta Pasta recipe that became popular on TikTok is a simple and tasty dish that features cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic, and pasta. The dish has become popular because it is quick, easy to make, and requires only a few simple ingredients. It is also highly customizable, so you can add additional ingredients or spices to suit your taste preferences.

What is Baked Feta Pasta made of?

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients typically used in the viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta recipe:

• Feta cheese: A block of feta cheese is the star ingredient of this dish. Feta is a salty and tangy cheese that melts beautifully in the oven and creates a creamy sauce when combined with the other ingredients. By the way, Feta, like other dairy foods, is rich in calcium, a mineral we need for muscle and nerve function as well as for strong healthy bones and teeth.
• Cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are used to create the base of the sauce. When baked in the oven, the tomatoes become soft and juicy, and their flavors are concentrated.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. It is typically minced and added to the tomatoes and feta cheese.
• Olive oil: Olive oil is used to coat the cherry tomatoes and help them cook and caramelize in the oven. It also adds richness and flavor to the dish.
• Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings are used to enhance the flavors of the other ingredients.
• Pasta: Any type of pasta can be used for this dish, but short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni or fusilli work best. The cooked pasta is tossed in the tomato and feta sauce before serving.

Optional ingredients that can be added to the Baked Feta Pasta include fresh herbs like basil or oregano, red pepper flakes for heat, and additional vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers.

Does feta cheese melt when baked?

Yes, feta cheese will melt when baked, but it won’t become as smooth and creamy as other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar. Instead, it will soften and become slightly creamy with a slightly tangy taste. This makes it a great option for the viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta recipe as it creates a flavorful and slightly chunky sauce when combined with the roasted tomatoes.

How to make the TikTok pasta with feta cheese?

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish and add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Toss everything together until the tomatoes are coated in the oil and seasonings.

Place the feta cheese block in the center of the baking dish and spoon some of the tomato mixture on top of the cheese.

Bake the dish for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta cheese is melted and golden brown.
Cook the pasta. While the pasta is cooking, use a fork to mash the feta cheese and tomatoes together until it forms a creamy sauce.

Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the baking dish with the feta cheese and tomato sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the sauce. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped basil leaves, if desired.

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is highly customizable, so you can add additional ingredients or adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.

Why is feta cheese healthy?

Feta cheese can be a healthy addition to your diet in moderation for several reasons:

1. Good source of protein: Feta cheese is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscles, as well as maintaining healthy hair, skin, and nails.
2. Low in calories: Feta cheese is relatively low in calories compared to other cheeses, which makes it a good option for those watching their calorie intake.
3. Rich in calcium: Feta cheese is also rich in calcium, which is important for healthy bones and teeth.
4. Contains healthy fats: Feta cheese is made from sheep’s milk or a combination of sheep’s and goat’s milk, which contain healthy fats that can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that feta cheese is also high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If you like easy pasta recipes, check out these ones:

• Mushroom Breadcrumbs Pasta with Truffle oil
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Pasta with Blue Cheese & Black Olives