The Ultimate Creamy Baked Feta Pasta: Your Go-To TikTok Viral Recipe
Baked Feta Pasta took the internet by storm, becoming one of the most beloved and viral TikTok recipes of all time. While the original concept of baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes and olive oil is brilliant in its simplicity, we’ve discovered a way to make this popular dish even better. By introducing a secret ingredient—cream cheese—alongside a touch of heavy cream and Parmesan, we’ve transformed the classic into an incredibly rich, luxurious, and supremely creamy feta tomato pasta. This enhanced version is everything the original was missing and will quickly become your new favorite weeknight meal!
Finding truly satisfying feta recipes can sometimes be a challenge, but our collection aims to change that. Beyond this incredible baked feta and tomato pasta, we invite you to explore other delightful feta cheese recipes. You might enjoy our refreshing Feta Salad with Shrimp and Couscous, or perhaps delve into a timeless family favorite, the Moldovan Feta Cheese Pie, which has brought joy for generations. But for now, let’s dive into the TikTok sensation that captured hearts worldwide.
The Story Behind the Viral TikTok Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
The phenomenon of “TikTok pasta” is indeed real, and the original baked feta pasta concept, known as “Uunifetapasta” (Finnish for oven-baked feta pasta), was first created by Finnish food blogger Jenni Häyrinen in 2019. Its rise to global fame was no accident; the recipe embodies simplicity and deliciousness. The core idea involves placing a block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish filled with juicy cherry tomatoes, drizzling it generously with olive oil, adding a sprinkle of pepper flakes, and then baking until bubbly and soft. The beauty lies in how the baked feta and tomatoes effortlessly transform into a vibrant, tangy sauce when tossed with freshly cooked pasta.
However, after trying the initial version, I felt there was room for improvement. While flavorful, it lacked a certain creaminess I desired, and given the natural saltiness of feta cheese (especially in the United States), additional salt was definitely unnecessary. This led to my personal quest to elevate the dish. My solution? Introducing a trio of creamy cheeses: not just feta, but also rich cream cheese, a splash of heavy cream, and a generous grating of Parmesan. This combination truly takes the TikTok feta pasta game to an entirely new level!
The result is an incredibly flavorful and luxuriously creamy sauce where the often strong spiciness of pepper flakes and the harsh saltiness of feta are beautifully mellowed. Instead, you get a harmonious blend that’s reminiscent of a rich alfredo pasta, but with a distinctive, subtle feta character. Best of all, this upgraded version maintains the incredible ease of the original. After several tests, I adjusted the ingredient ratios to perfectly accommodate a full pound of pasta, ensuring enough sauce for every bite. I’m thrilled to report it was a resounding success and, importantly, kid-approved by my own family!
What is Feta Cheese? Understanding Your Key Ingredient
Feta is a brined curd white cheese with a salty, tangy flavor and a crumbly texture, holding a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status in the European Union, meaning only cheese produced in specific regions of Greece using traditional methods can be called Feta. It is traditionally made from sheep’s milk, or a mixture of sheep’s and up to 30% goat’s milk. Goat’s milk, in particular, contains lipase enzymes that can impart a stronger, more pungent flavor. In Eastern European cuisines, particularly Ukrainian, a similar white cheese is known as “Brynza.”
Because feta is naturally quite salty and can have a pronounced flavor, it’s essential to balance it in a dish. In this recipe, the addition of cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan effectively mellows the feta’s intensity, diluting its saltiness and integrating it into a smoother, richer sauce. If authentic Greek feta is too strong for your palate, don’t worry; the other cheeses work wonders to create a harmonious blend. Should you be unable to find feta, similar brined white cheeses like Queso Fresco or Cotija cheese can be used as substitutes, though you may need to add more salt to taste and potentially more cream or milk to achieve the desired consistency, as they can be less moist than feta stored in brine.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Baked Feta Pasta
While the TikTok viral feta pasta traditionally features cherry tomatoes, feta, and pasta, our version takes these foundational elements and elevates them with additional creamy ingredients. This ensures you retain all the beloved classic flavors, but with an even more irresistible texture and depth. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need for this decadent dish:
- Cherry Tomatoes: These small, sweet, and bursting tomatoes are perfect for roasting. You can also use grape tomatoes or “Cherubs” small salad tomatoes for similar results. Look for plump, firm tomatoes with vibrant color.
- Feta Cheese: Opt for a solid block of feta, typically sold in 8 oz portions in the specialty cheese section of most grocery stores. The block bakes down beautifully, releasing its salty, tangy flavors into the sauce, unlike pre-crumbled feta which can dry out.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, crushed or minced, are non-negotiable! They infuse the roasted tomato and feta base with a pungent, aromatic flavor that is central to the dish’s appeal.
- Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil. It coats the tomatoes, helps them roast evenly, and contributes to the overall richness of the sauce.
- Seasoning: Our spice blend is simple yet incredibly effective. You’ll need freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, red crushed pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, and dried parsley for herbaceous notes. Remember to go easy on the salt, as feta is already quite salty.
- Pasta: While I opted for ziti pasta, almost any dried pasta shape will work wonderfully. Short pastas like penne, rotini, cavatappi, or campanelle are excellent choices as they effectively capture the creamy sauce. Long pastas like spaghetti or pappardelle can also be used for a different textural experience.
- Heavy Cream: This is one of our key additions, contributing a luxurious richness and unparalleled creaminess that truly distinguishes this recipe. It helps to smooth out the sauce and marry the flavors.
- Cream Cheese: Our “secret ingredient”! Adding chunks of cream cheese to bake alongside the feta and tomatoes ensures a super creamy, velvety sauce that’s less sharp and more mellow than the original. It truly transforms the texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: While not traditionally part of the original TikTok feta pasta, a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese stirred in at the end adds another layer of salty, umami richness, making the sauce even more complex and satisfying.
Mastering the Method: How To Make Creamy Baked Feta Pasta
This baked feta pasta recipe is incredibly straightforward, essentially a “bake-and-toss” method that minimizes fuss and maximizes flavor. It’s not a traditional pasta bake where everything is cooked together in the oven. Instead, you’ll first create the intensely flavorful sauce base by roasting the cheeses and tomatoes, then combine it with freshly cooked pasta. Our subtle modifications ensure an extra creamy and perfectly balanced sauce.
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Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Equipment
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1 9×13 baking dish (for roasting tomatoes and feta)
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1 8-quart pot (for cooking pasta)
Ingredients
Ingredients:
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24 oz cherry tomatoes
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8 oz feta cheese (whole block)
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8 oz cream cheese (broken up into chunks)
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6 cloves of garlic (crushed or minced)
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5 Tbsp Olive Oil (reserve 1 Tbsp for drizzling the feta)
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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11/2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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1/4 tsp cayenne and crushed red pepper (adjust to taste for mild heat)
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3 Tbsp dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
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1 lb ziti pasta (or pasta of choice, cooked al dente and drained)
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving)
Instructions
Directions:
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Prepare for Roasting: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a 9×13 baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, 4 tablespoons of olive oil, crushed garlic, and all the spices (black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried parsley). Toss gently to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated. -
Arrange Cheeses: Create a space in the center of the tomatoes and place the whole block of feta cheese there. Break up the cream cheese into smaller chunks and scatter them among the tomatoes. Drizzle the feta block with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. -
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. At this point, the feta will be soft and creamy, and the tomatoes tender but still holding their shape. If you prefer the tomatoes to fully burst and blister for a more robust, reddish sauce, bake for an additional 15 minutes. -
Combine and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Use a fork or spoon to gently mash the feta and cream cheese into the roasted tomatoes, stirring until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Finally, add your cooked and drained pasta to the baking dish and toss thoroughly to coat every strand. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- This is not an overly spicy pasta recipe. The cayenne and crushed red pepper add a subtle warmth, but you can adjust the amount to your preference for more or less heat.
- Our adjusted creamy feta cheese sauce is perfectly portioned to accommodate a full one-pound box of pasta, ensuring a rich coating for all servings.
Nutrition per serving
Tips for Success with Your Baked Feta Pasta
- Achieve Your Desired Sauce Color: For a vibrant orange/red pasta hue, roast the tomato and cheese sauce until the cherry tomatoes fully burst and blister. If you prefer them softer but still largely intact, stick to the initial 25-minute bake time.
- Make it Keto or Low-Carb: Easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs by substituting traditional pasta with a healthy grain alternative like quinoa, riced cauliflower, or your favorite low-carb pasta option.
- Tomato Flexibility: While cherry tomatoes are classic, you can also use 24 oz of larger beefsteak tomatoes, chunked into bite-sized pieces, for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Feta-Free Option: If you don’t want to use feta cheese, you can replace the feta entirely with an additional block of cream cheese. Just be sure to add salt to taste, as the cream cheese won’t provide the same natural saltiness as feta.
- Quick & Easy Meal: This famous feta tomato pasta on TikTok is renowned for being a super easy and incredibly satisfying dish to make for a quick dinner or lunch, perfect for busy schedules.
- Understanding Feta’s Nature: Remember that feta cheese is a Greek or Moldovan (Brinza) brined white cheese, typically made from sheep’s, goat’s, or sometimes cow’s milk. Its inherent saltiness means you should be cautious with adding extra salt to the dish, or even omit it completely. Its crumbly yet compact texture requires gentle handling before it melts into the sauce.
- Healthy Pasta Alternatives: For a healthier spin, substitute traditional white pasta with whole wheat pasta, lentil pasta, or chickpea pasta. Barilla offers a range of popular and healthy pasta options.
- Generous Sauce: This recipe’s sauce is generously proportioned to perfectly coat a full 1-pound box of pasta, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- No Pasta Water Needed: Unlike many pasta recipes, you won’t need to reserve any pasta water as the heavy cream provides ample richness and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Best Oil & Pasta Choices: For the best results, always use good quality extra virgin olive oil and any short pasta shape that can easily pick up the creamy sauce.
- Boost Reddish Hue: If you desire an even deeper red color in your pasta sauce, consider adding 2 tablespoons of tomato paste along with the tomatoes before baking, or simply roast the tomatoes for a longer duration until they thoroughly break down.
- Flavorful Cheese Twist: For an adventurous twist, consider substituting the feta with goat cheese that’s infused with garlic and herbs. This will introduce a different, equally delicious tangy and aromatic flavor profile.
Ideal Pasta Types for This Creamy Feta Dish
The original Feta TikTok Pasta Video, which garnered over 3.4 million views, famously used rotini pasta. However, the beauty of this recipe is its versatility with pasta shapes. Other popular types of pasta that pair wonderfully with this rich feta tomato pasta recipe include Cavatappi, Campanelle, Bowtie (Farfalle), and ziti. These short, sturdy shapes are excellent for catching and holding onto the creamy sauce.
But don’t limit yourself! Any short, medium, or even long type of pasta can work. Consider penne pasta, rigatoni, fusilli pasta (another spiral shape), or gemelli. Spiral or cork-screw pastas are particularly good as they create pockets for the sauce. If you prefer longer strands, spaghetti, capellini (angel hair), or pappardelle can also be delightful, offering a different textural experience as you twirl them with the rich sauce. When choosing your pasta, remember that Barilla is a popular and widely available brand known for its quality across various pasta dishes.
The cooking time for your pasta will largely depend on whether it’s fresh or dried. Fresh pasta typically cooks much quicker than dried varieties, sometimes in just a few minutes. Always refer to the package instructions for the specific type of pasta you are using, and consider cooking it to “al dente” (firm to the bite) as it will soften slightly further when tossed with the hot sauce.
Creative Feta Pasta Trends and Variations
The versatility of feta cheese means there are endless ways to customize and enhance your baked feta pasta! Feta pairs beautifully with a range of proteins and vegetables, making it easy to adapt this dish to your preferences or what you have on hand. For proteins, ensure they are cooked and ready to stir in at the end. For vegetables, it’s best to roast them alongside the cherry tomatoes to ensure they cook through and meld their flavors with the sauce. Here are some fantastic ideas to inspire your next feta tomato pasta dinner:
- Spinach Feta Pasta: For a nutrient boost, add about 8 oz of fresh baby spinach to the cherry tomatoes in the baking dish before roasting. The spinach will wilt down beautifully into the sauce.
- Olive Variation: Introduce a briny, savory depth by stirring in 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives or black olives with the roasted sauce.
- Chicken Feta Pasta: To make it a more substantial meal, add 1 1/2 pounds of cooked chicken breast strips (grilled, baked, or shredded) to the pasta when tossing with the sauce.
- Asparagus Feta Pasta: Roast about 1 bunch of trimmed and cut asparagus spears along with the tomatoes for an earthy, green addition.
- Mushroom Pasta: Add 8 oz of sliced mushrooms to the tomatoes and bake, allowing them to absorb the flavors and tenderize.
- Basil Freshness: Stir in 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped) or a tablespoon of basil pesto with the roasted sauce for a burst of superior aromatic flavor.
- Broccoli Delight: Chop up 1 small head of green broccoli into florets and add it to the tomatoes for roasting. It adds texture and nutrients.
- Squash or Zucchini Blend: Cut up 1 or 2 small zucchinis or yellow squash into half-moon pieces and roast them with the tomatoes for a hearty vegetable addition.
Remember, you don’t always have to serve this creamy feta sauce with traditional pasta! It can also be fantastic with a lemon orzo, or healthy grains like rice or couscous, offering a delightful alternative.
What To Serve With This Delectable Baked Feta Pasta
Since this creamy baked feta pasta recipe offers a rich and comforting profile, similar to an alfredo dish with a tangy twist, it pairs beautifully with fresh, bright, or hearty side dishes. Here are some delightful ideas to complement your feta pasta meal:
- Zesty Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the pasta.
- Greek Caesar Salad: A crisp salad with a tangy dressing and crunchy croutons adds a wonderful contrast.
- Crusty French Bread or Sourdough: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
- Shrimp Scampi Fritta (Olive Garden Copycat): For a seafood pairing, the garlic-butter shrimp makes a fantastic accompaniment.
- Hot Mushroom Canapes with Bacon: A savory appetizer that adds another layer of umami.
- Broccoli Salad with Creamy Honey Dressing: A sweet and savory salad offering crunch and freshness.
- Hearty Soups: Serve alongside a comforting bowl of Pasta e Fagioli Soup (with ditalini pasta) or a flavorful Zuppa Toscana (with sausage) for a complete and satisfying meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) About Baked Feta Pasta
Can You Freeze Baked Feta Pasta?
You can freeze cooked pasta, but for best results, it’s preferable to freeze the unbaked feta and tomato sauce base separately. Once the creamy sauce has been roasted and mixed with pasta, it can be prone to separating or becoming greasy upon excessive reheating. Therefore, it’s best to enjoy it fresh or reheat minimally. If you must freeze, do so before mixing with pasta, or be prepared for a slightly altered texture upon reheating.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! This tomato feta pasta recipe is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully with any type of pasta. This includes various gluten-free options such as brown rice pasta, corn pasta, or lentil-based pastas. Just follow the package directions for cooking your chosen gluten-free pasta variety.
How Much Pasta per Person is Recommended?
A standard adult serving of pasta is typically around 1 cup of cooked pasta, which translates to about 2 ounces of dried pasta. This recipe, designed for a 1-pound box of pasta, yields approximately 8 adult servings. For children, a serving can range from 1/4 to 1/2 cup of cooked pasta, depending on their age and appetite.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Pasta for This Dish?
Pasta cooking times vary significantly based on whether it’s fresh or dried, and its thickness. Dried pasta generally takes longer to boil than fresh pasta. For this creamy pasta recipe, I typically boil dried ziti pasta for about 1 minute longer than the “al dente” time indicated on the package, which usually takes a total of 13 minutes, resulting in perfectly tender noodles. Fresh ziti, on the other hand, might only take up to 4 minutes to boil. Always use the package instructions as your primary guide, and if you prefer a softer noodle, simply add an extra minute or so to the cooking time. Remember that the thickness of the noodles will influence cooking duration, so adjust accordingly.
How Many Calories Are in a Serving of This Pasta?
As mentioned, an adult serving typically consists of 1 cup of cooked pasta (or 2 ounces of dried pasta). With approximately 8 adult servings from a pound of pasta, a single serving of this rich, creamy baked feta pasta with its sauce averages around 641 calories. Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
How Do I Reheat Feta Pasta Without the Sauce Separating?
The key to reheating creamy pasta sauces without separation is to do so as minimally as possible. Excessive reheating can cause the creamy sauce to break down and become greasy rather than smooth. Aim to reheat baked feta pasta no more than twice after its initial preparation. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly hot. Alternatively, place leftovers in a small baking dish, cover it, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Another option is to gently heat a few servings in a non-stick pan on the stovetop over low to medium heat until hot, stirring frequently.
How Long Does Baked Feta Pasta Last in the Fridge?
Storing Baked Feta Pasta: Once prepared, this creamy baked feta pasta (the TikTok version) can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also prepare components ahead of time by assembling the feta and tomato base in a casserole dish and storing it unbaked in the fridge for up to 3 days, keeping the cooked pasta separately. Then, simply bake and combine as directed before serving for a fresher result.
What Are Good Ways to Thicken Pasta Sauce?
Incorporating creamy cheeses or other good melting cheeses is an excellent method to thicken a white cheese sauce for pasta, creating a velvety and rich texture. Cheese acts as a fantastic natural thickener, especially if you’re looking for gluten-free options. In this recipe, the combination of feta, cream cheese, and Parmesan achieves that perfect creamy consistency without needing additional thickeners.
More Delicious Pasta Recipes to Try
- Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A sun-dried tomato and spinach-infused chicken pasta that’s rich and flavorful.
- Shrimp Alfredo: One of my personal favorite creamy shrimp pasta recipes, perfect for seafood lovers.
- Classic Fettuccine Alfredo: The ultimate comfort food; easily transform it into a chicken pasta recipe by adding grilled chicken strips.
- Creamy Parmesan Garlic Angel Hair Pasta: A quick and easy one-pot wonder with delicate angel hair pasta.
A special thank you goes out to my dear friend Alina, who generously shared her sister’s version of the Baked Feta Pasta Recipe. Her original method included 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and omitted the cream cheese, which served as a wonderful starting point. However, I truly believe you need to experience this enhanced version with the added cream cheese for its unparalleled creaminess and balanced flavor profile!