BAKED FETA PASTA

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 BAKED FETA PASTA




Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Viral Story: The Baked Feta Pasta became a sensation during the pandemic, thanks to TikTok, where home cooks discovered how incredibly easy and delicious it is. It combines creamy, melted feta with cherry tomatoes and pasta, creating a comforting dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 250g (about 9 oz) of your choice (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
  • Feta Cheese: 200g (about 7 oz) block of feta cheese
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 300g (about 10 oz), halved
  • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Red Pepper Flakes: 1 teaspoon (optional for heat)
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste
  • Fresh Basil: A handful, torn for garnish
  • Parmesan Cheese: Grated, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
    • In a large oven-safe baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the tomatoes evenly.
    • Make a space in the center of the dish and place the block of feta cheese there. Drizzle a little olive oil on top of the feta and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  3. Bake:
    • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden on top.
  4. Cook the Pasta:
    • While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  5. Combine Ingredients:
    • Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the burst tomatoes, creating a creamy sauce.
    • Add the drained pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve the baked feta pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Feta Pasta

  • Use Good Quality Feta: The better the feta, the creamier the sauce. Opt for Greek feta for a rich flavor.
  • Customize Your Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
  • Pasta Variations: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes or whole grain options.
  • Vegan Option: Replace feta with vegan feta or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the tomato and feta mixture ahead of time and bake it right before serving.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.




Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta Pasta is a quick, satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Not only will it impress your family and friends, but it’s also easy enough for a busy weeknight meal. Enjoy the creamy goodness and get ready to go viral!

Feel free to tweak the recipe based on your preferences and share your experience in the comments. Happy cooking!


Satguru Singh

 

 

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