Viral TikTok Feta Pasta

$- 200g (7 oz) feta cheese block - 400g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for spice preference) - 300g (10.5 oz) pasta (penne or rigatoni) - 4 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste The star of this dish is the feta cheese block. It melts into a creamy sauce. The cherry tomatoes burst with flavor as they roast. Garlic adds a strong taste, while red chili flakes bring heat. The pasta serves as the base, soaking up all those delicious flavors. - 1 cup spinach (optional) - Zest of 1 lemon - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You can add spinach for a nutritious boost. Lemon zest brightens the dish with a fresh taste. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish, adding color and flavor. - Baking dish - Pot for cooking pasta - Fork for mashing ingredients Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A baking dish holds all your ingredients while they roast. A pot cooks the pasta just right. A fork helps mash the feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Baked Feta Pasta with a Twist . 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the feta and tomatoes evenly. 2. Prepare the baking dish by placing a block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with halved cherry tomatoes. 1. Assemble the feta and tomatoes in the dish. Make sure the tomatoes are snug around the feta. 2. Add spices and oil by sprinkling minced garlic and red chili flakes on top. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dish. Season with salt and pepper. 1. Mash the feta and tomatoes after baking for 25-30 minutes. Use a fork to create a creamy sauce. 2. Mix with cooked pasta. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. If you want, add spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. Your dish is a vibrant mix of flavors and textures! For the full recipe, check the details in the article above. Enjoy your cooking! To enhance your feta pasta, you can adjust the spice levels. I love using red chili flakes. Start with one teaspoon, then taste. If you want more heat, add more. This gives your dish a nice kick. Lemon zest can really brighten the flavors. Just use a grater to add the zest of one lemon. Mix it in right before serving. It adds a fresh taste that balances the creaminess of the feta. For the perfect pasta texture, cook your pasta until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Follow the package instructions, but start checking a minute or two early. Drain it, but save a bit of the pasta water. This can help thin your sauce later if needed. After baking, make sure your feta is creamy. It should be soft when you take it out of the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta into the tomatoes. This creates a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. Feta pasta pairs well with side dishes like a simple salad. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works great. You can also serve garlic bread on the side for some crunch. When it comes to wine, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc is ideal. It complements the flavors of the dish. If you prefer red, try a light Pinot Noir. It won’t overpower the meal. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can make this dish your own by changing the flavors. Adding veggies like zucchini or bell peppers brightens the meal. These veggies cook well with the feta and tomatoes. They add color and crunch. You can also add protein sources. Chicken or shrimp works great. This will make the dish more filling. Just cook the protein separately, then mix it in. If you're plant-based, there’s a way for you to enjoy this dish too. You can use vegan feta instead of regular feta. It melts nicely and gives a creamy texture. For those who need gluten-free meals, swap regular pasta for gluten-free options. Look for rice or chickpea pasta. They taste great and keep the dish gluten-free. Feeling adventurous? You can swap out feta for other cheeses. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor. Ricotta brings a creamy touch. You can even mix different cheeses for a unique taste. Try a blend of feta and mozzarella. Each cheese will give its own spin to the dish. Don't be afraid to experiment! For the full recipe, check out the details again. After enjoying your feta pasta, let it cool down. This step is key for safe storage. Place your leftovers in a clean container. Use airtight containers to keep your dish fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well for this. If you want to save space, use smaller containers for easy storage. To freeze baked feta pasta, first let it cool completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. When ready to eat, take it out of the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight for best results. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot. Stir well to mix up the creamy sauce. In the fridge, your feta pasta stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If you see mold, or if it smells off, it’s time to toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. For more details on making this dish, check out the Full Recipe. Viral TikTok Feta Pasta is a simple and tasty dish that took social media by storm. It started as a trending recipe on TikTok in early 2021. The dish features a block of feta cheese baked with cherry tomatoes, garlic, and spices. The heat from baking makes the cheese creamy and rich. People love it for its ease and flavor. Plus, it looks great on camera! Yes, you can try different cheeses! Goat cheese gives a tangy flavor, while ricotta is creamy and mild. If you want a sharp taste, use aged cheddar. Each cheese changes the dish’s taste and texture. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed. The key is to find a cheese you enjoy, so feel free to get creative! To make this dish healthier, consider these tips: - Use whole-grain pasta for added fiber. - Add more veggies like spinach or bell peppers. - Reduce the amount of olive oil or use a light version. - Swap regular feta for a reduced-fat option. These changes keep the taste while making it a bit lighter. Enjoy your meal guilt-free! This blog post showed how to make viral TikTok feta pasta. You learned about the main and optional ingredients, plus essential kitchen tools. The step-by-step guide helped you prepare, bake, and combine flavors. You also got tips for perfecting your dish and ideas for variations. Finally, I shared how to store leftovers and answered common questions. With these simple steps and fun twists, you can enjoy creamy, flavorful pasta any time. Remember, cooking should be fun, so don’t be afraid to experiment!$

Discover a mouthwatering twist on the classic creamy baked feta pasta! This easy recipe combines a block of feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of spice to create a deliciously creamy sauce. With simple ingredients and just one baking dish, you’ll have a comforting meal ready in 40 minutes.

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Ingredients

200g (7 oz) feta cheese block

400g (14 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)

300g (10.5 oz) pasta (penne or rigatoni)

4 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Zest of 1 lemon

1 cup spinach (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes.

Add minced garlic and red chili flakes over the feta and tomatoes.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the dish and season with salt and pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and the tomatoes are blistered.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, mash the feta into the roasted tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, along with the spinach (if using). Toss to combine and ensure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.

Drizzle the remaining olive oil and lemon zest over the dish before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4