Baked Feta Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Tangy & Internet-Famous for a Reason

This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe became a viral sensation for good reason—it’s incredibly easy, packed with flavor, and made in one baking dish. Juicy cherry tomatoes and a block of creamy feta are roasted until perfectly caramelized, then mixed with pasta for a tangy, rich, and comforting dish that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant—but only takes a few simple ingredients.

🛒 Ingredients

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: ¼ cup reserved pasta water, lemon zest

🔄 Substitutions

Feta: Use crumbled feta or goat cheese if needed
Tomatoes: Swap for grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes
Olive oil: Use avocado oil or garlic-infused oil
Pasta: Any shape works—use gluten-free or chickpea pasta for dietary needs
Basil: Try fresh parsley or arugula if basil isn’t available

👨‍🍳 How to

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
In a baking dish, add tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes
Toss to coat, then place the block of feta in the center and drizzle with a bit more oil
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden and soft
While it bakes, cook pasta according to package directions, then drain (reserve ¼ cup of pasta water)
Remove the dish from the oven, mash the tomatoes and feta together until creamy
Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated (add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce)
Top with fresh basil and serve warm

🧀 Mix-ins

Baby spinach or arugula for a nutrient boost
Sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers
Chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra umami
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein
Lemon zest for brightness

✅ Recipe Tips

Use block feta for the creamiest texture—not pre-crumbled
Roast until the tomatoes blister and feta turns slightly golden
Mash the feta and tomatoes thoroughly before adding the pasta
Reserve a bit of pasta water to adjust the creaminess of the sauce

📦 Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—add a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce
Not recommended for freezing due to the dairy content and tomato texture

🌀 Recipe Variations

Spicy feta pasta: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne
Vegan version: Use plant-based feta and skip cheese-based pasta
Mediterranean twist: Add artichokes, kalamata olives, and oregano
Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash

❓ FAQs

Can I use crumbled feta? Yes, but block feta melts and blends more smoothly
What kind of pasta is best? Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle hold the sauce best
Can I add meat? Definitely—grilled chicken or shrimp pair perfectly
Is this dish really that easy? Absolutely—it’s mostly hands-off baking, and the sauce comes together naturally

This Baked Feta Pasta Recipe is creamy, tangy, and totally crave-worthy—an easy, elegant meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.