Viral Baked Feta Pasta

$- 250g pasta (fusilli or penne) - 200g feta cheese (preferably full-fat) - 250g cherry tomatoes, halved - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional) - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil - 1 tsp dried oregano - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - 1 cup baby spinach (optional) Using these ingredients makes this dish simple yet tasty. The pasta provides a great base. Feta cheese brings creaminess, while cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Garlic gives an aromatic punch, and olive oil adds richness. Red chili flakes can spice it up if you want. Dried oregano adds warmth and depth. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors. Fresh basil leaves make it pretty and fragrant. Lemon zest and juice brighten the whole dish. Adding baby spinach boosts nutrition and color. Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a delicious meal you will love. - Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This helps the feta melt well. - In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. - Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic around the feta. - Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. This adds richness. - Sprinkle red chili flakes, dried oregano, salt, and pepper on top. - Toss the tomatoes gently with your hands. This helps the flavors mix. - Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the feta soft and tomatoes blistered. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. - Add your pasta and cook it until al dente, as per the package. - Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. - Once baked, take the dish from the oven. - Add the cooked pasta into the baking dish with the feta and tomatoes. - If using spinach, add it now for extra nutrients. - Stir gently to break the feta apart. This creates a creamy sauce. - If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. Adjust until creamy. - Finally, mix in lemon zest and juice for brightness. - Choosing the right pasta type: I recommend using fusilli or penne. Both types hold the sauce well. Their shapes catch every bit of creamy feta and juicy tomatoes. This makes each bite full of flavor. - Ensuring feta is creamy: Use full-fat feta cheese. It melts better and gives a rich taste. When you mix it with pasta, it makes a smooth sauce. You want that creamy texture to coat every piece of pasta. - Using fresh herbs and spices for more depth: Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley boosts flavor. You can also try using thyme or rosemary for a new twist. These herbs pair well with feta and tomatoes. - Optional additions for spice lovers: If you love heat, add more red chili flakes. You can also try a dash of hot sauce. This adds a kick that elevates the dish. Just be careful not to overpower the other flavors. - Garnishing with basil and lemon zest: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds color and fragrance. Lemon zest gives a bright finish that makes the dish pop. These simple touches make your pasta look restaurant-worthy. - Serving suggestions for a beautiful plate: Serve it in a large bowl for a family-style meal. You can also plate individual servings with a basil leaf on top. A wedge of lemon on the side enhances the look and taste. {{image_4}} You can switch the feta cheese for goat cheese. Goat cheese adds a tangy flavor that many enjoy. It also melts well, making the dish creamy. If you're looking for vegan cheese options, try cashew cheese or almond cheese. These alternatives provide a rich taste without dairy. Both options are creamy and work great in this recipe. Want to boost your dish? Add proteins like chicken or shrimp. Chicken breast cooks quickly and soaks up flavors. Shrimp adds a touch of sweetness. Both make the meal hearty and filling. You can also add vegetables for more nutrition. Spinach is a great choice, as it wilts nicely and adds vitamins. Other options include zucchini or bell peppers. They bring color and crunch to the dish. To make baked feta pasta vegan, use a block of plant-based feta. You can also skip the cheese altogether. Instead, add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of pasta water to keep it vegan. This keeps the dish flavorful and creamy. Don't forget to add your favorite veggies for extra texture! To keep your Baked Feta Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before sealing it. This way, it will stay tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any odd smells or colors, it’s best to throw it away. If you want to enjoy this dish later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remember to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent it from drying out. Stir it often for even heating. To add heat to your Baked Feta Pasta, use red chili flakes. You can sprinkle in more than the recipe calls for. If you want a bolder flavor, try adding sliced jalapeños or fresh chili peppers. You can also add hot sauce after baking for an extra kick. Adjust the spice to fit your taste. Yes, you can use various pasta types. Fusilli and penne work best due to their shape. Other great options include rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just ensure the pasta is sturdy enough to hold the sauce. Choose your favorite shape to make it your own. Baked Feta Pasta pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread is another favorite, perfect for scooping up sauce. Roasted vegetables also work nicely, adding more flavor and color to your meal. Choose sides that balance the creamy pasta. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Bake the feta and tomatoes and cook the pasta in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine them and heat in the oven or on the stove. This makes for an easy and quick meal on busy days. Baked Feta Pasta combines simple ingredients for a tasty meal. You learned about the key ingredients, how to bake the dish, and tips to make it perfect. I shared variations and storage tips too. You can customize this dish with spices or proteins. Whether you stick to the recipe or adjust it, this pasta brings joy to any table. Enjoy making it again and again!$

Indulge in the trending viral baked feta pasta with a twist that everyone is raving about! This simple yet delicious recipe features creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a hint of lemon, all tossed with your favorite pasta. Within just 40 minutes, you’ll create a flavorful and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Click through to discover the complete recipe and impress your family and friends with this savory delight!

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Ingredients

250g pasta (choose between fusilli or penne for great texture)

200g block of feta cheese (preferably full-fat for creaminess)

250g cherry tomatoes, halved (for sweetness and juiciness)

3 cloves garlic, minced (adds aromatic flavor)

1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for richness)

1 teaspoon dried oregano (brings a warm, herbaceous note)

Salt and black pepper, to taste (for flavor enhancement)

Fresh basil leaves (for a fragrant garnish)

Zest and juice of 1 lemon (to elevate the dish with brightness)

1 cup baby spinach (optional, for a nutritious green addition)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures the feta and tomatoes roast perfectly.

In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center, creating a focal point. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and minced garlic evenly around the feta.

Generously drizzle the olive oil over both the feta and tomatoes. Sprinkle the red chili flakes, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning. Gently toss the tomatoes together with your hands to coat them in the oil and spices, allowing flavors to mingle.

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly golden, and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy.

While the feta and tomatoes bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.

Once the feta and tomatoes are finished baking, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish with the feta and tomatoes. If you choose to include baby spinach, now is the time to add it for an extra nutritional boost.

Using a spoon or spatula, gently stir the pasta and feta mixture, breaking the feta apart to create a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.

For a zesty finish, add the lemon zest and juice to the dish, mixing well to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Serve your vibrant pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and aroma.

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