TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

$- 1 block feta cheese (200g) - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) - Recommended pasta types: penne or fusilli - Gluten-free alternatives: chickpea or brown rice pasta For this TikTok baked feta pasta, the main ingredients shine. Feta cheese adds creaminess. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. Garlic gives a rich flavor. Olive oil ties everything together with a lovely finish. You can season it to your taste. Dried oregano adds an earthy note. If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes. Fresh basil leaves give a burst of freshness. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top when serving. Choosing the right pasta is key. I suggest penne or fusilli, as they hold the creamy sauce well. If you prefer gluten-free options, try chickpea or brown rice pasta. These choices make this dish accessible for everyone. - Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is key for baking. - Prepare the baking dish: Take a medium-sized baking dish. Place the block of feta cheese in the center. Next, arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around it. This will make your dish colorful and tasty. - Seasoning: Sprinkle minced garlic over the tomatoes and feta. Add dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you like heat. - Baking time: Drizzle olive oil over everything. Season with salt and black pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for blistered tomatoes and melted feta. This means it’s ready. - Instructions for boiling pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, fill a pot with salted water. Bring it to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions. - Tips for cooking pasta al dente: Aim for al dente texture. This means the pasta should be firm but cooked through. Drain the pasta and set it aside when done. - Creating the creamy sauce: Once your baking dish comes out of the oven, use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together. This will make a creamy and rich sauce. - Mixing the cooked pasta: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Toss well so every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious mix. Enjoy your tasty creation! To get the best feta, use a block instead of crumbles. This keeps it creamy. Bake it until it’s soft and slightly melty. For the tomatoes, choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes. This makes a big difference in flavor. You want them to be blistered and fragrant after baking. Add more herbs for extra taste. Fresh thyme or rosemary work well. A pinch of lemon juice adds brightness. This helps balance the creaminess of the feta. You can also add a bit of balsamic vinegar for depth. Experiment to find what you love best. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls for a nice look. Add a sprig of fresh basil on top. This adds color and makes it pop. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan can also enhance the dish. Choose a wide, shallow serving dish to show off your creation. Enjoy your beautiful meal! {{image_4}} For a vegan twist, you can replace feta cheese with tofu or cashew cheese. They give a creamy texture without dairy. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many types made from rice, corn, or chickpeas. They cook well and hold flavors nicely. Want to boost the taste? Add extra veggies! Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini work great. Just chop them and mix them in with the tomatoes before baking. This adds color, crunch, and nutrition. You can also try different cheeses. Goat cheese or ricotta can add a unique touch. Each cheese brings its own flavor, so feel free to mix things up. If you want to make a big batch, just double the recipe. Store leftovers in airtight containers. This dish holds well and tastes great the next day. For freezing, let the pasta cool first. Place it in freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave. To store your baked feta pasta safely, let it cool first. This helps prevent moisture buildup in the container. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. Label the container with the date to track freshness. Reheat your pasta gently to maintain its creamy texture. The best method is to use the stove. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help it heat evenly. If you want a fresh touch, toss in some torn basil leaves while reheating. This adds flavor and color to your dish. Baked feta pasta lasts about 3-5 days in the fridge. Make sure to check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you want to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container. For best quality, eat frozen pasta within 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, defrost it in the fridge overnight before reheating. What type of pasta is best for this recipe? I recommend penne or fusilli for this dish. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well. If you like, you can use any pasta you enjoy, as long as it cooks evenly. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta? Yes, you can. Cream cheese or goat cheese can work nicely. These cheeses will give a rich taste, but the dish will differ in flavor. How do I know when the feta and tomatoes are done baking? The feta should be soft and slightly melted. The tomatoes should be blistered and fragrant. Check them at about 25 minutes to see if they are ready. Can I make this recipe in advance? You can prep the feta and tomatoes ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge before baking. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to eat. What can I substitute for cherry tomatoes? You can use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes. Just ensure the substitute has good flavor to match the dish. How can I make it spicier or less spicy? Add more red pepper flakes for heat. If you want less spice, simply skip the flakes. You can also use mild peppers for flavor without heat. This recipe highlights the best ingredients, simple steps, and helpful tips. You can enjoy creamy baked feta with pasta easily. Mix feta, tomatoes, and garlic for a tasty sauce. Remember, you can adjust flavors and substitute ingredients to fit your needs. Don't forget to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With a bit of creativity, this dish can fit any diet. Try it your way, and you'll impress everyone at the table!$

Dive into the creamy goodness of Feta & Tomato Pasta Delight! This easy recipe combines oven-baked feta with blistered cherry tomatoes to create a rich, mouthwatering sauce, perfect for any pasta lover. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a flavorful dish in under 40 minutes. Don't miss out on this delicious meal—click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family tonight!

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Ingredients

1 block feta cheese (200g)

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

300g pasta (penne or fusilli preferred)

Fresh basil leaves, roughly torn, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures it's ready for the baking process.

Prepare the Baking Dish: Grab a medium-sized baking dish and position the block of feta cheese right in the center. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes around it, creating a colorful surround.

Season It Up: Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic over the cherry tomatoes and feta. Then add the dried oregano and, if you enjoy a bit of spice, the red pepper flakes.

Add Olive Oil: Drizzle the olive oil generously over the feta and tomatoes, making sure to coat everything well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, ensuring every element is nicely flavored.

Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes are blistered and fragrant and the feta has softened and started to melt.

Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Create the Creamy Sauce: Once you remove the baking dish from the oven, use a fork to mash the feta and blistered tomatoes together. This will result in a rich, creamy sauce.

Combine Everything: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the creamy feta-tomato mixture, tossing well until every strand is coated with the delicious sauce.

Serve & Garnish: Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

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

- Presentation Tips: Consider serving the pasta in shallow bowls for an elegant look, and add a sprig of basil on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delightful dish!