Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Introduction
Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a creamy, tangy, and visually stunning dish that took the internet by storm and quickly found a place in the kitchens and hearts of home cooks worldwide. This simple yet luxurious pasta dish combines the savory richness of baked feta cheese, the juicy sweetness of roasted cherry tomatoes, and the bright, herbaceous notes of fresh basil. It’s a one-pan, oven-baked meal that transforms minimal ingredients into maximum flavor, making it an excellent go-to for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. The real magic happens in the oven, where the tomatoes burst and caramelize and the feta softens into a velvety, tangy base for the sauce. Tossed together with al dente pasta and a touch of garlic or seasoning, it creates a creamy, savory, slightly acidic pasta that tastes gourmet but requires minimal effort. The dish has become a cultural food icon because of its simplicity, photogenic quality, and customizable nature, allowing cooks to tweak it to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Baked Feta Pasta is more than just a viral trend—it’s a new classic that has earned its place in the modern comfort food canon.

The History of Baked Feta Pasta
Baked Feta Pasta first gained widespread attention in Finland in 2019 when Finnish food blogger Jenni Häyrinen posted a version of the dish called “Uunifetapasta” on her blog and social media. The recipe was so popular that stores ran out of feta cheese across the country. The phenomenon remained regional until early 2021, when it exploded globally thanks to a viral TikTok video. Millions of viewers were captivated by the simplicity and elegance of the technique—placing a block of feta in the middle of a baking dish, surrounding it with cherry tomatoes, drizzling everything with olive oil, roasting it until bubbly, and stirring it all into cooked pasta. Its global success is a testament to the power of social media and the universal appeal of easy, delicious meals. Though feta cheese and pasta have long been staples in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, the baked preparation brought them together in a fresh, modern way. This dish is also reflective of current food trends—flexible recipes with minimal ingredients that deliver satisfying, restaurant-quality results at home.

Ingredients Breakdown

• 1 block (7–8 ounces) feta cheese: The star of the dish, feta provides tanginess, creaminess, and salt. Opt for high-quality Greek feta in brine for best flavor and texture.
• 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes: Roasting concentrates their sweetness and creates the juicy base of the sauce.
• 2–3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Used to coat the tomatoes and feta, enhancing flavor and aiding in caramelization.
• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced or left whole: Adds a pungent, savory element that balances the dish’s acidity and creaminess.
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Provides a gentle heat that elevates the flavor profile.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.
• 10–12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta): The vehicle for the creamy tomato-feta sauce; choose pasta with ridges or curves to hold the sauce well.
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn: Adds a burst of freshness and herbal brightness to finish the dish.
• Optional add-ins: Spinach, olives, capers, lemon zest, or grilled chicken for protein and variation.

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the baking dish: In a large oven-safe baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with cherry tomatoes.
3. Season: Drizzle everything generously with olive oil. Scatter the garlic over the tomatoes, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat them evenly, leaving the feta untouched in the center.
4. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst, the feta is soft and golden on top, and everything is bubbling.
5. Cook the pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
6. Combine: Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a spoon or spatula to mash the feta and tomatoes together until a creamy sauce forms. Add the cooked pasta directly to the dish and mix everything until the pasta is well coated. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Finish with basil: Sprinkle the chopped or torn fresh basil over the pasta and stir gently to incorporate.
8. Serve warm: Plate and enjoy immediately, optionally topping with more basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or grated Parmesan.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Feta Pasta

• Use high-quality feta cheese that comes in a block and is stored in brine; crumbled or low-fat versions won’t melt the same way.
• Choose ripe, fresh cherry or grape tomatoes for the sweetest, most flavorful sauce.
• Roast everything until caramelized—the feta should be browned on top and the tomatoes fully blistered for maximum flavor.
• Stir while hot to allow the cheese and tomato juices to fully emulsify into a sauce.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce—it helps make it creamier and smoother.
• Use pasta shapes with texture like fusilli, rigatoni, or shells to better capture the sauce.
• Add fresh herbs or lemon zest at the end to brighten the richness of the dish.
• Don’t over-salt: Feta is naturally salty, so season carefully.

Variations and Customizations

• Protein Add-ins: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier dish.
• Vegetable Boost: Add baby spinach, kale, zucchini, or mushrooms either before or after baking for extra nutrients.
• Vegan Version: Use vegan feta alternatives and swap traditional pasta for lentil or chickpea-based versions.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes, or use chili oil for extra heat.
• Creamier Texture: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a splash of cream at the end.
• Crunch Factor: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or pine nuts before serving.
• Mediterranean Twist: Add kalamata olives, capers, or a sprinkle of za’atar for more complex flavor.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Baked Feta Pasta is relatively balanced but does lean toward the indulgent side due to the richness of the cheese and olive oil. A typical serving provides a good amount of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and some protein, especially if protein is added. Feta cheese offers calcium and protein, though it’s also high in sodium and saturated fat. Cherry tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene and vitamin C, while fresh basil adds small amounts of vitamins A and K. For a lighter version, use whole wheat or legume-based pasta, reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter feta, and increase the ratio of vegetables. To lower sodium, rinse or reduce the amount of feta, and to add more fiber, choose a whole grain pasta. The dish can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta and is adaptable for vegetarian or vegan diets depending on cheese substitutions.

FAQ
Q: Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, though it’s best fresh. You can prep the ingredients in advance and reheat gently with a splash of reserved pasta water.
Q: Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block? It’s not recommended, as crumbled feta doesn’t melt as well and can result in a grainy texture.
Q: What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes? Use chopped Roma or grape tomatoes; just be sure they’re ripe and sweet.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free? Not inherently, but you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? It’s not ideal, as the sauce texture can change. Refrigeration for up to 3 days is better.
Q: Can I make it with different cheeses? Yes, though results vary—try goat cheese, ricotta, or burrata, but expect a different texture.
Q: What pasta shape works best? Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or shells hold the sauce well and are easiest to mix.

Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil

Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil is a wildly popular, ultra-creamy, oven-roasted pasta dish that combines the tang of feta with the sweetness of tomatoes and the freshness of basil for a quick and irresistible meal. Born from a viral trend and rooted in Mediterranean ingredients, it’s a versatile, flavor-packed recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces of cavatappi pasta or any preferred pasta variety
• 2 pints of cherry tomatoes
• 1 block 8 ounces of feta cheese
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• ¼ cup fresh basil tightly packed and chopped, plus extra for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Add the cherry tomatoes to an oven-safe baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss the tomatoes until evenly coated.
• Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestling it among the tomatoes. Flip the feta a couple of times to lightly coat it in the oil and seasonings.
• Bake for 35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and melty.
• While the feta and tomatoes are in the oven, cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, making sure to reserve ½ cup of the cooking water in case it’s needed later to loosen the sauce.
• As soon as the dish comes out of the oven, add the minced garlic and chopped basil directly to the hot tomatoes and feta. Stir everything together until well combined into a creamy sauce.
• Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss to coat it evenly with the sauce. Finish with additional fresh basil for garnish and serve warm.