Baked Italian Feta and Tomato Pasta

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If you love tomatoes and feta cheese, then this feta and tomato pasta recipe is definitely for you! This dish is filled with flavorful ingredients like garlic, tomato, and of course, lots of delicious feta cheese. The tomatoes add a nice sweetness to the pasta, while the feta provides a nice salty flavor. It's the perfect combination of flavors that will have you coming back for more. Plus, it's super easy to make so you can have dinner on the table in no time.

white bowl of feta and tomato pasta sitting on wood table by wood spoon

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Feta and Tomato Pasta
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make the Viral Feta Pasta
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Pasta Recipes
📖 Recipe

Feta and Tomato Pasta

This recently viral TikTok recipe is perfect for a quick and easy meal. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easily accessible – so you can make it any time you want. Plus, this dish is packed with flavor. The salty feta cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes, making it a mouth-watering meal that everyone will love.

If you need another pasta option for your meal plan, then consider making this unique pasta charcuterie board. It's fast, easy, and ideal for those picky eaters at the table because you can so easily customize each plate. It's another fast and easy weeknight meal. Pair it with a moist baked chicken breast for a balanced meal.

bow tie pasta in sauce in black baking dish

Ingredients

1 lb. bowtie pasta (or similar small pasta)
1 lb tomatoes
1 (16 oz) block feta cheese
1 clove garlic
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

round black bowl of pasta with sliced lemon and tomato

Handy Kitchen Tools

oval white bowl of pasta topped with tomato and herbs

How to Make the Viral Feta Pasta

I begin by preparing everything so it is easy to throw together. That means I dice the tomato, slice the garlic, and assemble all of the ingredients together on the counter or workspace.

Now, cook the pasta according to package directions in a large stockpot of salted boiling water. Cook until it is just al dente then drain it and set it aside. This can be done while the rest is being baked.

pasta being cooked in large blue stockpot

Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.

Pour the tomatoes, sliced garlic, salt, pepper, olive oil, and paprika together into a large baking dish and stir to coat the tomatoes well.

Nestle the feta block into the middle of the pan, and then bake it for 20 to 25 minutes. You want the tomatoes to be roasted/burst and the cheese to just be browning nicely on top.

adding spices to top of feta in baking sheet

Remove this from the oven and use a spoon or spatula to mash it together to create a nice thick sauce then pour over or toss with the already cooked pasta.

pasta being poured into baking dish with feta tomato sauce

I like to add some fresh chopped basil to the mixture just before serving and a sprinkle of parmesan and fresh cracked black pepper over the top.

fork of bow tie pasta above black bowl of pasta

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Feta Crumbles In This?

I prefer to use the block of feta in this recipe because it gives the dish a creamier texture. The block of feta melts better and creates a smoother texture than crumbles, thus is preferred in this recipe.

However, you can definitely use feta crumbles if that's what you have on hand. If you can’t find a block of feta cheese, you can use feta crumbles. They will work just as well in regards to flavor for this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a little different since crumbles are saltier than blocks of feta, and you may no have that creamy sauce you expect.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to This Pasta?

If you want to add some more vegetables to this dish, feel free! I like to add spinach or kale for some extra nutrients. You could also add mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers.

While zucchini and squash may work in this recipe, I find their texture wouldn't be as pleasant in the end as the other options included. Plus, if you plan to add extra vegetables, you'll want to toss them in after you mash together the tomato and feat to create that rich sauce for the pasta.

Do I Have to Bake the Feta?

No, you don't have to bake the feta if you don't want to. I like to bake it because it gives the cheese a nice crust on top and allows the flavors to meld together. Plus, you are already roasting the tomatoes, so it makes sense to put both into the oven together.

When the feta cheese is baked in this pasta recipe it takes on a slightly different flavor. If you're not a fan of baked feta, feel free to leave it out. You can skip this step if you're short on time. The dish will still be delicious without baking the feta. Just combine it with the pasta and tomatoes and stir together before serving for a delicious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I Use a Different Soft Cheese?

If you're not a fan of feta cheese, you can definitely use a different soft cheese in this recipe. I like to use feta because it's nice and salty, but you could use goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or even cream cheese. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different depending on the type of cheese you use.

Another popular option that is good with this is a wheel of Boursin cheese. This soft, often herb and garlic-laden, cheese is a perfect option that is creamy and delicious. It goes great with the other flavors and is easy to find in most markets.

What Type of Pasta Should I Use?

I like to use bow-tie, penne, or shells as they are small and hold onto the sauce well. You can really use any type of pasta you like. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use quinoa pasta or brown rice pasta. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may be different depending on the type of pasta you use. Always check package directions and test pasta as it cooks for the right al dente texture.

If you like this easy recipe and want more beginner recipes to try you might also be interested in my latest cookbook release, The Complete Cookbook for Beginners. Tips, skills, and 101 recipes for the beginner cook to learn from!

More Easy Pasta Recipes

Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of pasta, and that is why I love sharing my favorite recipes with you. Below are more great dishes that are loaded with flavor and super easy to make. Make sure that you bookmark these recipes, print out the recipes, or pin them to Pinterest to make soon.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 6

Baked Italian Feta and Tomato Pasta

This delicious feta and tomato pasta is a great easy weeknight meal that is rich and flavorful while being simple for anyone to prepare!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb. bowtie pasta (or similar small pasta)
1 lb tomatoes, chopped
1 (16 oz) block feta cheese
1 clove garlic, sliced
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Bring salted water to a boil over medium heat. Cook the pasta according to package directions, or until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.
In a large baking dish (9"x13"), add the tomatoes, sliced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and olive oil. Stir together to coat the tomatoes well.
Add the block of feta to the center of the pan, then bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the tomatoes are nicely roasted and the cheese is browned.
Remove from the oven, then mash the mixture together well until it forms a thick creamy sauce.
Toss in the pasta and stir before serving.