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- 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved - 7 oz (200g) block of feta cheese - 1/4 cup olive oil, divided - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish - Zest and juice of 1 lemon When making TikTok Feta Tomato Pasta, you want fresh and quality ingredients. Start with penne pasta. This shape holds the sauce well. Next, use cherry tomatoes; their sweetness shines when roasted. The feta cheese is the star here; it melts beautifully and adds creaminess. Don’t skimp on olive oil. It brings richness and helps the flavors meld. Garlic is key for depth; minced garlic infuses the dish with its aroma. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste for heat. Always use salt and black pepper to season well. For garnish, I love fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of color and flavor. Finally, the lemon gives a refreshing zest and brightness. This combination makes the dish vibrant and full of life, perfect for any meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a large baking dish, combine: - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup olive oil, divided (3 tablespoons to start) - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Mix these well. Make sure all the tomatoes get coated. - Create a well in the center of the tomato mixture. - Place 7 oz (200g) block of feta cheese into the well. - Drizzle the last tablespoon of olive oil over the feta. - Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bake this in the oven for 25-30 minutes. The tomatoes should blister and the feta should turn golden. - While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook 8 oz (225g) penne pasta until al dente. - Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. - Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. - Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta to the dish. Toss everything together. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until the sauce is just right. - Squeeze juice from 1 lemon over the pasta. - Add the zest of that lemon. - Fold in torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish. To get the best sauce, you need to reserve pasta water. This starchy water helps the sauce stick to the pasta. It also makes the sauce creamy and smooth. Start with half a cup and add more if needed. Mix it in slowly. The heat from the pasta helps blend everything together. You can add more flavor with simple ingredients. Try adding minced garlic, fresh herbs, or spices. I love using fresh basil, but you can also use parsley or oregano. Drizzle a little olive oil on top after serving. This adds richness and a nice finish. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish. For a beautiful dish, serve the pasta in bowls. Top it with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of cracked pepper. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil makes it even better. Consider pairing this dish with a side salad or garlic bread. These sides complement the pasta and round out your meal. Pro Tips Quality Ingredients: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor and texture in your pasta dish. Adjusting Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference; start with less if you're unsure! Pasta Cooking Tips: Make sure to reserve the pasta water before draining; it helps in achieving a creamy sauce consistency when combined with the baked feta and tomatoes. Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch, drizzle a bit of high-quality olive oil over the finished dish before serving to enhance the overall flavors. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Just swap feta cheese for vegan cheese. This change keeps it creamy and tasty. You can also add more veggies. Spinach works great, adding color and nutrients. Bell peppers are another good choice for crunch and sweetness. For gluten-free pasta, use options like brown rice or chickpea pasta. These keep the dish hearty and filling. Cook gluten-free pasta according to the package. It may need different timing, so check often. Want more heat? Adjust the red pepper flakes. Start with a little, then taste. You can always add more. Other spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning also boost flavor. Just sprinkle them in while mixing. After you enjoy TikTok Feta Tomato Pasta, store any leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you wait longer, the pasta may not taste as good. When reheating, keep the pasta creamy. You can do this by adding a splash of water or olive oil. Stir it well to mix in the moisture. For microwaving, heat in short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. On the stovetop, warm it over low heat. Stir gently until it is hot throughout. You can freeze TikTok Feta Tomato Pasta, but it’s best to do so before adding fresh basil or lemon. Cool it completely first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to label it with the date. It will stay fresh for about two months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of water to keep it creamy. You can use a stovetop to make this dish. Start by cooking your penne pasta in a large pot. In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, cooking until the tomatoes are soft. Then, add the feta cheese and let it melt slightly. Mash the tomatoes and feta together to form a sauce. Finally, toss in the cooked pasta and mix well. This method gives you a creamy pasta dish without the oven. Yes, you can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. A general rule is to use one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh basil, use one teaspoon of dried basil. Keep in mind that dried herbs may not have the same bright taste as fresh. Adjust according to your preference. This dish gained fame on TikTok in 2021. It became popular after a user shared a simple recipe showing how to bake feta cheese and tomatoes together. The video went viral, capturing many home cooks’ interest. The creamy and flavorful dish appeals to people of all ages. Its ease of preparation made it a go-to recipe for quick meals. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and the tomato-feta mixture separately, then combine them just before serving. Store the components in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, the flavors stay fresh and vibrant. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta and mix in the tomato-feta sauce. Enjoy a quick and tasty meal any day of the week! This blog post covered a fun and tasty dish: TikTok Feta Tomato Pasta. We looked at essential ingredients like penne, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. I shared easy steps so you can make it at home. Plus, I offered tips for a creamy sauce and ways to customize the dish. Remember, you can make this recipe vegetarian or gluten-free to fit your needs. Now, you have the tools to impress anyone at your table with this delightful meal. Enjoy every bite!

Feta Fiesta Tomato Pasta

A delicious pasta dish featuring roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy feta cheese, enhanced with fresh basil and lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 7 oz block of feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • to taste Fresh basil leaves, torn into pieces for garnish
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a large baking dish, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Generously season the mixture with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then stir everything together until evenly coated.
  • Create a well in the center of the tomato mixture and place the block of feta cheese into the space. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the feta and season it with a small pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
  • Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered, juicy, and the feta has developed a golden hue and soft texture.
  • While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • Once the baking is complete, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together until they form a creamy sauce that is well blended.
  • Add the drained penne pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together to combine. Gradually incorporate the reserved pasta water, adding a bit at a time until you achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the pasta, sprinkle with lemon zest, and fold in the torn basil leaves just before serving to enhance flavor and aroma.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Keyword baked, easy, feta, pasta, tomato