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Baked Feta Pasta (TikTok Pasta) Recipe

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4.3 from 4 reviews

Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring roasted grape tomatoes and a block of feta cheese baked until melty and slightly browned. Mixed with al dente pasta, fresh spinach, herbs, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe delivers a rich, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Cheese

  • 2 pints (20 oz) grape tomatoes
  • 5 medium garlic cloves, peeled and halved
  • 7–8 oz block feta cheese (sheep’s milk variety, drained)
  • 8 oz spinach, roughly chopped (8 packed cups)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
  • 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley

Pantry Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (or more to taste)

Pasta

  • 10 oz dry pasta (such as campanelle, rigatoni, rotini, penne, bow tie, or cavatappi)
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the feta and tomatoes.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: In a 3-quart baking dish, add the grape tomatoes and halved garlic cloves. Toss them with the extra-virgin olive oil along with a few pinches of salt and black pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center, turning it gently to coat it with the oil.
  3. Bake Initial Stage: Place the baking dish in the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the tomatoes and feta to soften and begin to meld flavors.
  4. Increase Heat for Browning: After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven. Raise the oven rack to the upper third of the oven and increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C). Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes and cheese start to brown lightly.
  5. Cook Pasta: While the baking finishes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 Tbsp salt in 3-4 quarts water). Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
  6. Add Spinach to Pasta: Before draining the cooked pasta, pour the roughly chopped spinach into the boiling pasta water to wilt it quickly (it should wilt almost instantly). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and spinach together.
  7. Mash and Combine Sauce: Using the back of a wooden spoon, smash the roasted tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and feta cheese together in the baking dish until well combined and creamy.
  8. Mix Pasta and Herbs: Add the drained pasta and spinach to the baking dish with the smashed mixture. Toss in the fresh basil, minced parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes.
  9. Adjust Consistency & Season: Add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time to thin the sauce to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish warm for optimal flavor.

Notes

  • Use sheep’s milk feta for best flavor and texture.
  • Any short pasta shape works well; campanelle, rigatoni, or penne are classic options.
  • Be careful not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture holds up well to saucing.
  • Wilted spinach adds a fresh green element but can be omitted or substituted with kale or arugula if preferred.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of heat.
  • The reserved pasta water helps create a creamy sauce by loosening the baked feta mixture.
  • This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stove or in the oven.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/baked-feta-pasta-tiktok-pasta-recipe/