One Pan Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

This One Pan Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes recipe took the internet by storm and became a viral TikTok sensation. With just five simple ingredients and a sprinkle of salt & pepper, this creamy pasta bake is definitely worth the hype!

this recipe!

Our family loves TikTok feta pasta, simply because it’s scrumptious. The fresh tomatoes, garlic and fresh basil combine into creamy sauce after cooking in the oven for 35 minutes.

This baked feta pasta recipe is a busy person’s dream on a weeknight because all you have to do is pop it into the oven and then cook the pasta. Pretty simple right?

We love trying all of the viral food trends and this full-on TikTok sensationis a winner in our books! This isn’t a new recipe and I really should’ve posted it a long time ago, it’s so good!

This history as I know it: #uunifetapasta was made famous in Finland by Liemessa and original recipe as shared by finnish blogger Tiiu. We are so grateful that they shared this deliciousness with us!

You can enjoy this feta pasta dish with a simple side salad or cheesy garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food.

If easy pasta dinners are your thing, next time try these:

Boursin Cheese Pasta Bake – another viral recipe that is worth the hype!

Baked Ziti

Four Cheese Pasta Cheesecake Factory Copycat

Baked Tortellini Alfredo

Why we love this baked feta pasta recipe

• This creamy casserole, with bursting cherry tomatoes, creamy roasted feta cheese & garlic all combine into a delicious sauce is an easy one-pan meal. EASY being the first win and absolutely delicious being the second win!
• Five simple ingredients – sometimes the simplest and fewest ingredients create the best flavors don’t you think?
• It’s versatile – you can add in other fresh herbs and a protein, like chicken. We love Chicken & Spinach Feta Pasta Bake!

What’s in TikTok Feta Pasta? Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe uses simple ingredients that you should always be able to find in the grocery stores.

Cherry tomatoes – fresh cherry (or grape) tomatoes will burst with their juices when baked in the oven. No substitutions here!

Olive oil – use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for delicious results.

Fresh garlic – the fresh garlic really brings out the flavors in this dish.

Feta cheese – use a block of feta cheese. You could also substitute feta crumbles in a pinch but be sure to group them together in the center of the baking dish as tightly as possible.

Fresh basil – if you can’t find fresh basil, add in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning as a substitute and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Pasta – you can use your favorite pasta shapes in this recipe. Rigatoni, bowtie pasta, penne pasta are all great options.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper

Does the type of feta matter?

Use a block of feta cheese for best results. In a pinch, you could subsitute feta crumbles.

What is a good substitute for feta cheese?

Sometimes, you can’t find feta cheese or need a substitute. We’ve created this helpful article with feta cheese substitutes with 18 great ideas!

Can I make TikTok pasta with different cheese?

Yes! You can make TikTok past eithout feta. Substitute herb & garlic Boursin cheese and get the full recipe for Boursin Pasta Recipe. Alternatively, use mozzarella cheese or burrata cheese.

Variations

Add in two to three cooked, chopped chicken breasts to add protein to this dish. Baked Feta Pasta with Chicken is a delicious weeknight meal.

Stir in some fresh baby spinach with freshly grated lemon zest.

How to make this baked pasta recipe

You can find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this page. I’ve included some helpful photos below with step by step instructions and tips to make this easy pasta recipe.

You will need a shallow 2-quart casserole dish for this recipe.

Step 1 – Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 2 – Add the cherry tomatoes in an even layer, chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 cup of olive oil and salt & pepper to a 9×13-inch casserole dish. Stir gently to combine and coat the tomatoes with oil.

Step 3 – Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, turning it over to coat with olive oil. Sprinkle the feta with black pepper.

Tip – The original recipe calls for the garlic to be added to the mixture after is has finished baking. We like to add the garlic to the tomato mixture and let it roast and combine with the juice from the tomatoes!

Step 4 – Bake in oven for 35 to 40 minutes. You will know that it is ready when the cherry tomatoes burst and the feta will have softened. The aroma in your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 5 – When there is 15 minutes remaining on the cook time, cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions, reserving one cup of the pasta water. For best results, use al dente pasta. Set the pasta aside.

Reminder – Don’t forgot to reserve some of the cooked pasta water in case you need it for the sauce.

Step 6 – Remove the dish from the oven and immediately add the fresh basil leaves.

Use a fork to gently mash some of the block of feta cheese and some of the tomatoes. Give it a good stir, squishing some of the tomatoes and leaving others whole.

Everything mixes together perfectly to create a tomato sauce.

Step 7 – Add the cooked pasta to the tomato mixture and give it a good stir with a wooden spoon.

If the mixture looks a little dry, stir in some of the reserved pasta water. I’ve always kept some aside but have not had to use it because the tomatoes release so much juice.

Top with additional chopped basil and grated fresh Parmesan cheese (optional).

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat single servings in the microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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