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My Take on the Famous TikTok Feta Pasta
I finally caved and tried making that TikTok Feta Pasta everyone's been talking about. After watching video after video of this dish I grabbed my ingredients and headed to the kitchen. You know what? All that hype wasn't just social media buzz this pasta is absolutely incredible! The creamy sauce that forms is pure magic.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Something amazing happens when you bake that block of feta with those juicy tomatoes. The cheese gets all soft and creamy while the tomatoes burst and release their sweet flavor. If you love feta as much as I do this dish will become your new favorite. It's so simple but tastes like something from a fancy Italian restaurant.
What You'll Need
- Grape Tomatoes: Use 2 cups, fresh and firm. Cherry tomatoes or a medley of cherry tomatoes can substitute if needed.
- Feta Cheese: One block, approximately 7 ounces. Look for authentic Greek Feta. Substitutes include goat cheese, Halloumi, Ricotta, or Queso Fresco.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon. Herbes de Provence or your favorite herbs like red pepper flakes are good alternatives.
- Olive Oil: 5 tablespoons. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
- Chopped Basil: 1/4 cup fresh. Basil pesto can be used, reducing olive oil to 3 tablespoons if substituting.
- Bow Tie Pasta: 8 ounces. Penne, macaroni, orecchiette, or conchiglie are great substitutes.
- Optional Add-ins: Roasted bell peppers, olives, canned artichokes, or fresh spinach leaves, to taste.
Let's Cook Together
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Use a middle rack for even heat distribution.
- Arrange the Ingredients
- In a medium-sized baking dish, place 2 cups of grape tomatoes. Position a block of Feta cheese in the center, surrounded by tomatoes.
- Add Olive Oil and Seasoning
- Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese and tomatoes. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Bake
- Add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the cheese. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the cheese softens.
- Combine and Serve
- Remove from the oven and mix the cheese and tomatoes until well combined. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil and 8 ounces of cooked warm pasta. Serve hot.
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Saving Some For Later
When we have leftovers which isn't often I let everything cool down before popping it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about 4 days. To warm it up just add a splash of water cover and microwave until it's hot usually takes about 2 minutes. I wouldn't recommend freezing it though the texture just isn't the same after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Cherry tomatoes work best, but any small tomato variety will work. They should be similar in size for even cooking.
- → What if I can't find feta in a block?
Block feta works best as it melts more smoothly. Crumbled feta can be used but may result in a slightly different texture.
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any medium-sized pasta shape works well. Try penne, rotini, or shells - something that will hold the sauce.
- → Is there a low-fat version?
You can use reduced-fat feta, but the sauce won't be as creamy. The olive oil is important for the dish's flavor and texture.
- → Can I make this ahead?
It's best served fresh while the sauce is creamy. Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of pasta water to restore creaminess.