Baked Feta Pasta recipe

Introduction:

The Baked Feta Pasta recipe became a viral sensation, starting with Finnish food bloggers and gaining global popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. It’s loved for its simplicity and deliciously creamy texture. This dish combines roasted cherry tomatoes and feta cheese with pasta, creating a flavorful, cheesy meal that’s both easy to make and irresistibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 2 pints (20 ounces) cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• One 8-ounce block of feta cheese, drained (preferably Greek feta made from sheep’s milk)
• 10 ounces short tubular pasta (e.g., mezze rigatoni, penne, or rigatoni)
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
• Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prep:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Transfer them to a baking dish, placing the feta block in the center. Add a pinch of black pepper on top of the feta.
2. Bake:
   • Bake the dish in the oven for 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens. Increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   • While the dish bakes, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente (about 13 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
4. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir in grated garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Smash the tomatoes and feta together with the back of a spoon to create a creamy sauce.
5. Combine:
   • Add the cooked pasta and half of the basil to the baking dish, tossing everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time.
6. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the pasta garnished with the remaining basil and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Conclusion:

This Baked Feta Pasta recipe is a testament to the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different herbs, spices, or even protein additions like chicken or shrimp. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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