If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh Mediterranean flavors, this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes is pure magic in a casserole dish. This recipe became an internet sensation for good reason: it marries roasted cherry tomatoes, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked pasta into a weeknight meal that’s both satisfyingly decadent and incredibly easy. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll create a luscious, garlicky tomato sauce—all baked together—making every bite feel like comfort food taken to the next level. Whether you’re a feta fan or just need an easy crowd-pleaser, you’ll find yourself returning to this Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes its own flair, from creamy feta to juicy tomatoes, making this meal as beautiful as it is delicious. Here’s what you’ll need—and why each one matters.
- Feta cheese (8 oz block): The star of the show creates the creamy base and brings irresistible salty tanginess.
- Cherry tomatoes (2 pints): These burst while baking, adding juiciness, sweetness, and vibrant color.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Essential for roasting and bringing all the flavors together—don’t skimp!
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds bold depth and warmth to the finished dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right amount of background heat.
- Pasta (10 oz penne or rotini): Twisty shapes hold onto the rich feta-tomato sauce perfectly.
- Fresh basil (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a fresh, peppery finish and a pop of green.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: For perfect seasoning—adjust to your liking before serving.
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes
Step 1: Prep and Assemble
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a medium baking dish, scatter the cherry tomatoes, then pour over two tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, tossing everything so every tomato is glistening and well-seasoned. Nestle the block of feta right in the center, pushing the tomatoes aside as needed. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil directly over the feta to help it caramelize while it bakes.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection
Slide your baking dish into the oven and let the magic happen for about 30 minutes. When you check, the cherry tomatoes should be wrinkled and bursting with flavor, while the feta will look beautifully golden and softened. This step is where all those Mediterranean aromas start to fill your kitchen—absolute heaven!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Make sure to reserve about half a cup of that precious pasta water before draining; it helps marry the sauce and pasta later, making it luscious and silky.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
As soon as the feta and tomatoes are hot from the oven, grab a sturdy spoon and mash everything together until you’ve got a creamy, chunky sauce. The mixture should swirl into a beautiful pink and white sauce, speckled with bits of garlic and red pepper. If you’re a saucy pasta lover, this step is pure satisfaction!
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add your drained pasta straight into the baking dish, along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together so the pasta is evenly coated; if the sauce seems a bit thick, just add a touch more pasta water until it’s glossy and clingy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then shower with chopped basil for a blast of freshness. Your Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes is ready to serve!
How to Serve Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes
Garnishes
This dish loves a sprinkle of fresh basil right before serving. If you want an extra something, try a zest of lemon, cracked black pepper, or a handful of baby arugula tossed on top. Each adds brightness and balances the rich, salty feta in all the best ways.
Side Dishes
Pairing options are endless! A crisp green salad is classic and refreshing. Crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. If you’re going for a Mediterranean feast, consider serving grilled vegetables or a tangy cucumber salad to round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at a dinner party, bake and serve the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes in individual ramekins for personalized portions. Or, swirl the pasta in a large shallow bowl and arrange extra cherry tomatoes, feta crumbles, and basil on top for a show-stopping centerpiece. For a colorful twist, mix in a few handfuls of baby spinach or top with sautéed shrimp or chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes keeps surprisingly well! Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully, and the sauce becomes even more flavorful after a day’s rest.
Freezing
While you technically can freeze this pasta, the texture of feta tends to change once thawed, becoming a little grainy. If you do freeze leftovers, be sure to seal them tightly. For the best results, enjoy it freshly made or just from the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to revive the creamy texture. Give it a good stir, and don’t forget to sprinkle on a little more fresh basil for that just-made taste.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have feta?
Absolutely! While feta is the signature flavor here, you can swap it for a plant-based feta for a dairy-free option, or even use creamy goat cheese. Just keep in mind the tanginess will vary—and that’s part of the fun in experimenting!
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
No worries! Grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes chopped into chunks work well too. The most important thing is to use ripe, juicy tomatoes so you get that pop of sweetness in every bite.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas are lovely additions. Simply add your cooked protein to the finished dish for a more substantial, crowd-pleasing meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
All you need to do is use your favorite gluten-free pasta. All the other main ingredients in the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes are naturally gluten-free!
How can I make this dish more veggie-packed?
Easy! Toss in baby spinach or arugula right after baking, or stir in roasted red peppers, chopped artichokes, or sautéed zucchini chunks. More veggies mean extra color and nutrients without any extra fuss.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so magical about how a few humble ingredients combine to create the showstopping Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes. It’s cozy, comforting, and always a hit at the table. If you haven’t tried this viral sensation yet, grab a block of feta and give it a whirl—you just might discover your new go-to pasta night favorite.
Print
Baked Feta Pasta Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes, inspired by the viral TikTok sensation. This vegetarian dish features creamy feta cheese roasted with burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes, tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil.
Ingredients
Feta Pasta:
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 10 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the baking dish: In a baking dish, place cherry tomatoes and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, then toss to coat.
- Bake the feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center, drizzle with remaining olive oil, and bake for 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is golden.
- Cook the pasta: While feta bakes, cook pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Combine: Remove dish from oven, mash feta and tomatoes, add pasta and reserved water, stir to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute feta with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
- Add spinach or arugula for extra greens, or top with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
