Viral Baked Feta Cherry Tomato Pasta
The legendary viral pasta made with a block of feta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil.
This is the internet-breaking baked feta pasta recipe. Cherry tomatoes and a whole block of Greek feta cheese are baked until bursting and creamy, then tossed with garlic, basil, and pasta.
Key Equipment
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Baking Sheet
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Mise en Place: Measure and prep all ingredients before you turn on the stove. This recipe moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning.
- Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs instead of dried/jarred versions. The flavor difference is huge!
- Don't Crowd the Pan: Leave room between ingredients. If the pan is overloaded, the moisture will steam the food instead of browning it.
Ingredients
4
servings
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1 block greek feta cheese, 8 oz
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2 pints cherry tomatoes
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½ cup extra virgin olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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10 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
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½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Step-by-Step Instructions
Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and extra virgin olive oil. Toss well. Place the whole block of feta cheese in the center of the dish, turning it to coat with olive oil. Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is soft and lightly browned on top.
Boil Pasta
While the cheese and tomatoes bake, cook your rigatoni pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Mash and Toss
Immediately upon pulling the baking dish from the oven, use a fork to mash the softened feta and bursting cherry tomatoes together, stirring until they emulsify into a creamy, rich sauce. Fold in the cooked pasta and fresh basil, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Allow the food to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
We do not recommend freezing this dish, as dairy-based sauces and creamy textures tend to separate and curdle when thawed.
Use our interactive servings adjuster at the top of the ingredients list! Simply click the '+' or '-' buttons to automatically scale all ingredient quantities up or down to match your guest count.
Absolutely! For gluten-free modifications, swap standard grains or soy sauces with tamari or certified gluten-free options. For plant-based alternatives, choose coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of dairy and chicken products.