Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our baked feta pasta recipes, a delectable culinary creation that has taken the internet by storm. This viral sensation combines the richness of feta cheese, the tanginess of tomatoes, and the comforting embrace of pasta, resulting in a dish that is both visually stunning and tantalizing to the taste buds. Within this article, you'll find a collection of variations that cater to diverse dietary preferences and culinary desires. From the classic baked feta and tomato pasta, where feta and cherry tomatoes caramelize in a flavorful sauce, to a creamy spinach and feta pasta variation that adds a luscious green hue and a touch of earthy flavor, each recipe promises a unique gastronomic experience. We also feature a vegan baked feta pasta alternative, crafted with plant-based ingredients that deliver a delightful dairy-free rendition of this beloved dish.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
BAKED FETA PASTA
Whether you're an avid TikTok user or just a casual Instagram consumer, you've probably seen the feta and tomato pasta taking the social media world by storm. It has an interesting history. In 2018, Finnish blogger Tiiu Piret (@tiiupiret) shared a recipe for a pasta containing prosecco, baked feta and tomatoes. In 2019, another Finnish blogger, Jenni Häyrinen (@liemessa), shared her simplified version of the dish on her blog and Instagram using the hashtag #uuifetapasta. (Afterward, sales of feta in Finland apparently increased by 300 percent.) American food influencer MacKenzie Smith (@grilledcheesesocial) eventually heard about the dish from a friend with a Finnish boyfriend. In January 2021, she posted a translation of the popular recipe on her blog and Instagram, which led to it going viral in the United States. It's easy to see why the recipe has achieved such fame: Cherry tomatoes and a whole block of feta are baked until soft and melty, then tossed with garlic, basil and cooked noodles for a beautifully cheesy dish. We opted to use a short tube pasta so the sauce can get trapped inside each piece and added a pinch of flaky sea salt on top to perfectly balance the dish.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 45m
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Toss the cherry tomatoes and olive oil with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Transfer to a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish, place the feta in the center of the tomatoes and season with a pinch of black pepper. Bake until the tomatoes have burst and the feta has softened, about 30 minutes. Raise the heat to 450 degrees F and continue to cook until the tomatoes and feta are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 13 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then thoroughly drain the pasta.
- As soon as the tomatoes and feta come out of the oven, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Use the back of a spoon to smash the tomatoes and feta into a smooth and creamy sauce (it's okay if some of the oil isn't fully integrated). Add the pasta and half the basil and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some pasta water a couple tablespoons at a time. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve topped with the remaining basil and a pinch of sea salt.
BAKED FETA PASTA
An easy to make pasta with baked feta inspired by current TikTok trends.
Provided by My Hot Southern Mess
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Combine cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, black pepper, Italian seasoning, basil, and sea salt in a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- Make room in the middle of the pan and add block of feta cheese. Flip in oil, making sure cheese remains intact and becomes well coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cherry tomatoes begin to blister and split, 40 to 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.
- Remove feta-tomato mixture from the oven. Mash garlic, tomatoes, onions, and peppers with a heavy spoon and mix with the feta cheese, creating a sauce. Stir in spinach and cooked pasta. The spinach will get cooked from the heat of the pasta sauce and pasta. Add pasta water, a little at a time if needed, to reach desired consistency. Mix well and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.4 calories, Carbohydrate 50.7 g, Cholesterol 33.7 mg, Fat 27.8 g, Fiber 3.8 g, Protein 14.3 g, SaturatedFat 8.5 g, Sodium 513.1 mg, Sugar 4.4 g
BAKED SPANAKOPITA PASTA WITH GREENS AND FETA
This baked pasta is inspired by spanakopita, the classic Greek spinach and feta pie. This loose interpretation combines pasta with gooey mozzarella, briny feta, plenty of greens and a rich cream sauce, which is then piled into a dish and baked until golden. The key to this dish is in the greens: Use at least three kinds - a mellow one, a peppery one and a fresh herb or two - to create an exciting mix of flavors. No need to sauté them; just salt and massage them until they wilt slightly. This cozy dish might be the best way to eat your greens all year long.
Provided by Ali Slagle
Categories dinner, casseroles, pastas, main course
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Heat the oven to 450 degrees.
- In a 3-quart/9-by-13-inch baking dish, toss the chopped spinach, arugula, herbs and scallion greens with 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Squeeze the mixture with your hands to wilt, then set aside.
- Cook the pasta in the boiling water until 2 minutes shy of al dente; reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside. Return the pot to the stove.
- Melt the butter in the pot over medium heat. Add the scallion whites, garlic and a pinch of salt, and sauté until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cream cheese and pasta water and stir until smooth. Stir in the wilted greens, half the mozzarella and half the feta until combined. Stir in the pasta until combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Transfer the pasta to the baking dish, then top with remaining mozzarella and feta. Bake until the sauce has thickened and bubbly and the top has browned in spots, 10 to 15 minutes. If you like a crisper top, broil for a few minutes.
CHASE'S BAKED FETA PASTA
The baked tomatoes burst and give this sauce an awesome flavor and not to mention this is one of the easiest recipes you'll ever make.
Provided by Classyglas
Time 45m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Spray a casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Place cherry tomatoes, onion, and garlic in the prepared dish. Drizzle olive oil over top and season with salt and pepper; toss to coat. Set feta block in the center of the dish and turn over to coat with olive oil and spices.
- Bake in the preheated oven until tomatoes soften and feta is starting to brown, about 35 minutes.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta at a boil, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 12 minutes. Drain.
- Remove casserole dish from the oven and stir in cream, basil, and pasta. Keep stirring until pasta and feta are well mixed with the sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 399.7 calories, Carbohydrate 33.3 g, Cholesterol 60.8 mg, Fat 25.4 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 11.5 g, SaturatedFat 11.7 g, Sodium 437.2 mg, Sugar 3.2 g
Tips:
- For the creamiest and most flavorful sauce, use high-quality feta cheese. Look for a feta that is firm and has a slightly crumbly texture.
- If you don't have cherry tomatoes, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced Roma tomatoes.
- To make the dish more flavorful, roast the tomatoes before adding them to the pasta. Simply toss the tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until they are slightly caramelized.
- Use a good quality pasta. I recommend using a sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni, which will hold up well to the creamy sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, or until it is al dente.
- Serve the pasta immediately, while it is still hot and creamy.
Conclusion:
Baked feta pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight meal that is sure to please the whole family. It is a great way to use up leftover feta cheese, and it is also a very budget-friendly meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
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