TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

$- 200g feta cheese - 300g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for an extra kick) - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing In this dish, the feta cheese shines. It melts into a creamy sauce that blends perfectly with the pasta. You can pick penne or fusilli. Both hold sauce well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. They blister in the oven and burst with flavor. The olive oil brings richness. It helps all the flavors mix. Garlic adds a warm aroma. Dried oregano gives an earthy taste that complements the feta. For seasoning, salt and pepper are must-haves. They boost the flavors of the dish. If you like a bit of heat, use red pepper flakes. Fresh basil leaves finish the meal. They add a burst of freshness and a lovely touch. These ingredients come together to create a simple yet flavorful dish. Each one plays a key role in making this pasta a hit. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - In a baking dish, place the halved cherry tomatoes. Put the block of feta cheese in the center. - Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. - Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for blistered tomatoes and golden feta. - While it bakes, boil salted water in a pot. Cook the pasta until al dente. - Remove the dish from the oven and mash the feta and tomatoes with a fork. - Add the drained pasta to the dish and toss it all together. - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. To get the best feta cheese, look for a block of high-quality feta. I love using creamy and tangy feta. It melts perfectly and adds great flavor. You can find this in most stores. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Fresh garlic brings out rich flavors. The better your ingredients, the better your dish will taste. Cooking pasta al dente is key. This means it should be firm, not mushy. Boil the pasta in salted water and check it a minute before the package suggests. This way, it will soak up the sauce well. To mash the feta, use a fork once it’s baked. Mash it gently with the roasted tomatoes. This creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Mix it well with the pasta for an even coat. Pair this dish with a fresh green salad. A light vinaigrette balances the rich pasta. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For wine, a crisp white wine works best. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is perfect. These wines refresh your palate and enhance the meal. Enjoy! {{image_4}} You can add many vegetables to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Seasonal veggies work great. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These add color and taste. Mix them in with the tomatoes before baking. For garnishing, you can use fresh herbs like parsley or chives. They add a nice touch and fresh flavor. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top before serving for extra richness. Want to add protein? You can mix in cooked chicken or shrimp. Just sauté the protein before adding it to the pasta. This makes the meal heartier. If you prefer plant-based options, use chickpeas or tofu. Both absorb flavors well and keep the dish filling. Cook them separately, and then toss them with the pasta. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer good substitutes that taste great. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. For a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. Use a vegan feta or nutritional yeast instead. These give a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add more olive oil for richness. Store any leftover baked feta pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. It will last in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Be sure to let it cool down before putting it away. This helps prevent moisture build-up in the container. You can freeze baked feta pasta if you have leftovers. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. The pasta will stay good for about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the pasta in the fridge overnight. To reheat, put it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until hot. Stir it halfway through to heat evenly. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating, but it might not be as creamy. Enjoy your meal! You can add different toppings for extra flavor. Here are some ideas: - Olives: Black or green olives can add a nice briny taste. - Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down well and adds nutrients. - Artichokes: Canned artichokes bring a unique flavor. - Zucchini: Sliced zucchini can add a nice crunch. - Pine nuts: Toasted pine nuts add a lovely nuttiness. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Follow these tips for meal prep: - Cook the pasta: You can cook the pasta a few hours before serving. - Store separately: Keep the pasta and sauce in separate containers to avoid sogginess. - Reheat gently: When ready, reheat the sauce and mix in the pasta. If you need a different cheese or a vegan option, consider these substitutes: - Goat cheese: It has a similar tangy taste and creamy texture. - Ricotta cheese: This soft cheese can mimic feta’s creaminess. - Vegan feta: Many brands offer plant-based feta made from nuts. - Cottage cheese: It is mild and can add creaminess, though it’s not as tangy. To change the spice level, you can: - Add more red pepper flakes: This will increase the heat. - Add fresh chili: Sliced fresh chili peppers can spice things up. - Omit the red pepper flakes: If you want a milder dish, skip them entirely. This blog post explored a simple yet delicious baked feta pasta recipe. We covered key ingredients like feta cheese, pasta, and cherry tomatoes. You learned how to enhance flavor with olive oil, garlic, and seasonings. We also shared tips on cooking techniques and possible variations, including protein boosts and dietary modifications. In the end, the goal is to enjoy this dish your way, ensuring it fits your taste and needs. Now, it’s time to get cooking and savor your homemade meal!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Feta Fiesta Pasta! This easy and delightful recipe combines creamy feta cheese, blistered cherry tomatoes, and your choice of pasta for a mouthwatering meal. Perfect for any occasion, it’s ready in just 40 minutes. Discover how to create this vibrant dish that’s sure to impress family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and bring flavor to your table today!

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Ingredients

200g feta cheese

300g pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for an extra kick)

Fresh basil leaves for garnishing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a medium-sized baking dish, evenly distribute the halved cherry tomatoes, then place the block of feta cheese right in the center, creating a lovely focal point.

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil generously over the tomatoes and the feta cheese. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of spice) evenly across the surface.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta cheese is golden and softened to a creamy texture.

While the feta and tomatoes are developing their flavors in the oven, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.

When the feta and tomatoes are done baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Using a fork, gently mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together until the pasta is liberally coated in the yummy tomato-feta sauce.

Serve the dish immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves to add a vibrant touch and infuse the pasta with an aromatic flavor.

- Preparation Time: 10 mins

- Cooking Time: 30 mins

- Total Time: 40 mins

- Servings: 4 servings

- Serving Suggestions: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a light vinaigrette for a well-rounded meal!