Baked Feta Pasta: The Viral Sensation You Need to Try

Unless you've been living under a rock (or perhaps just avoiding TikTok), you've likely seen the internet explode with variations of "Baked Feta Pasta." This incredibly simple, yet unbelievably delicious dish, took the world by storm, and for good reason! It's creamy, savory, and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual dinner party.

Originating from Finnish food blogger Jenni Häyrinen, this recipe went global thanks to its effortless preparation and stunning results. It’s a testament to how a few simple ingredients, when combined smartly, can create a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Forget hours in the kitchen; this dish is all about minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ready to dive into the trend and see what all the fuss is about? Let's get cooking!

Ingredients:

1 block (7-8 ounces) feta cheese
1 pint (about 2 cups) cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup olive oil, divided
3-4 cloves garlic, minced (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste (be mindful as feta is salty)
10-12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne, farfalle, or rotini work well)
Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish (oven-safe and large enough to fit all ingredients later), place the block of feta cheese in the center.
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the feta. Drizzle about 1/4 cup of olive oil over the tomatoes and feta. Add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes (if using), and black pepper. Toss the tomatoes gently to coat. Do not add too much salt at this stage, as the feta is already quite salty.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and softened, and the feta is soft and slightly golden on top.
Cook the Pasta: While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Combine and Create Sauce: Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork, gently mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together with the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. This will create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Add Pasta and Adjust: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the baking dish. Toss everything together, incorporating the sauce evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Taste and adjust for salt if needed. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your homemade viral sensation!