TikTok Baked Feta Pasta

If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, you’ve probably seen the wildly popular Baked Feta Pasta taking over TikTok and Instagram. And guess what? This viral sensation totally lives up to the hype. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this dish delivers creamy, tangy, savory perfection in every bite.

Roasted cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese are baked together until bubbly and golden, then mixed with hot pasta to create a naturally creamy sauce — no heavy cream needed! It’s easy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

This recipe is a weeknight hero and a viral hit for a reason: it’s as simple as it is delicious.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Pasta

Only 7 ingredients
Made in one baking dish
Creamy without cream!
Customizable with protein or extra veggies
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser

🍅 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)

2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 block (8 oz) feta cheese (use Greek feta in brine if possible)
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced or left whole
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
10 oz pasta (short shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best)
Optional garnish: chopped fresh basil or parsley
Optional: ½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

🔥 Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Assemble the Bake
In a medium baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes and drizzle with olive oil. Add garlic, season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to coat. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top of the feta.
Bake Until Bubbling
Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting, and the feta is golden and soft.
Cook the Pasta
While the feta is baking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
Make the Sauce
Remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash and stir the feta and tomatoes together until a creamy sauce forms.
Combine
Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Finish & Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately. Add more olive oil, cheese, or red pepper flakes if desired.

🧠 Tips & Tricks

Use good feta: Choose a block-style feta, preferably in brine, for best flavor and creaminess.
Add protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a full meal.
Go green: Stir in fresh spinach or arugula just before serving for extra nutrients.
Low carb option: Use spiralized zucchini or chickpea pasta.
Make it richer: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese for ultra-luxury.

✨ My Personal Twist

To elevate this viral dish, I like to add a handful of sun-dried tomatoes before baking — they bring a deep, umami flavor that complements the feta beautifully. I also top it with lemon zest and a touch of honey after baking to balance the saltiness with a little brightness and sweetness.

For an extra pop of freshness, finish with a handful of baby arugula tossed in olive oil and lemon, right on top before serving. It takes the dish from simple to restaurant-worthy.