Introduction
If you’ve spent any time on social media in the past few years, chances are you’ve seen baked feta pasta take over TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. This recipe became a viral sensation for a good reason—it’s easy to make, uses minimal ingredients, and is incredibly delicious.
The trend started in Finland, where it was called “uunifetapasta”, and quickly took off globally. The original recipe was simple: a block of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, garlic, and pasta. The magic happens in the oven, where the feta becomes creamy and tangy, and the cherry tomatoes turn into a rich, roasted sauce. When mixed together, they form a perfectly balanced, luxurious pasta dish.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can add different vegetables, proteins, spices, or even swap the pasta for a low-carb option. It’s a one-pan dish, meaning minimal cleanup—ideal for busy weeknights!
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make baked feta pasta from scratch, explore variations, storage tips, and answer all your FAQs to make sure you get the best results every time.
Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta
For the Baked Feta and Tomato Base
- 1 block (8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
- 10 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting sauce consistency)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
Optional Additions
- Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon
- Vegetables: Spinach, roasted bell peppers, zucchini
- Herbs & Spices: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or a hint of smoked paprika
How to Make Baked Feta Pasta
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the feta melts beautifully and the tomatoes get caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
- Place the cherry tomatoes in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the tomatoes.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Toss everything together to coat the tomatoes evenly.
Step 3: Add the Feta Cheese
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish.
- Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top for a hint of spice.
Step 4: Bake Until Roasted
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting and slightly caramelized, and the feta is soft and golden.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
- While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
Step 6: Mash and Mix the Sauce
- Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the dish from the oven.
- Use a fork to mash the softened feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes until it forms a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the minced garlic while the dish is still hot.
Step 7: Toss in the Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish and toss everything together.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top.
- Add a little lemon zest for brightness.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations to Try
1. Low-Carb Baked Feta Pasta
- Swap regular pasta for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash.
2. High-Protein Version
- Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken or pan-seared shrimp for extra protein.
3. Vegan Baked Feta Pasta
- Use vegan feta cheese and add nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
4. Spice It Up
- Add Calabrian chili paste, extra red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika.
5. Mediterranean Twist
- Mix in kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers.
Storage & Reheating
How to Store
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water.
10 FAQs About Baked Feta Pasta
1. Can I use crumbled feta instead of a block?
Yes, but a block of feta melts better and creates a creamier texture.
2. What pasta shapes work best?
Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works best as it holds the sauce.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the feta and tomatoes in advance, then mix with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
4. What if my feta doesn’t melt?
If the feta isn’t creamy enough, mash it well and add some reserved pasta water.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Try using vegan feta cheese—it melts similarly and tastes delicious.
6. What tomatoes work best?
Use cherry or grape tomatoes since they roast into a sweet, jammy sauce.
7. How do I keep it from being too salty?
Feta can be salty, so use low-sodium feta and be mindful of added salt.
8. Can I add meat?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or crispy bacon are great protein additions.
9. What can I serve with baked feta pasta?
Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables.
10. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Not really—feta can become grainy when frozen and thawed.
Conclusion
Baked feta pasta proves that simple ingredients can create incredible flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or entertaining guests, this dish is always a hit. The best part? You can customize it in endless ways to suit your taste preferences!
So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the viral baked feta pasta that has taken the internet by storm. Trust us—your taste buds will thank you! 😊 🍝
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments!