Viral Baked Feta Pasta

$- Feta cheese - Cherry tomatoes - Garlic - Olive oil - Red pepper flakes - Pasta (penne or fusilli) - Seasoning (salt and black pepper) - Garnishes (basil and Parmesan cheese) To make Viral Baked Feta Pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. The star is the block of feta cheese. It melts and mixes well with other flavors. Choose a good quality feta for the best taste. Next, gather three cups of cherry tomatoes. They burst in the oven, adding sweetness. You also need three cloves of minced garlic. Garlic adds a nice kick to the dish. Olive oil is essential too. One tablespoon helps all the flavors blend. For spice lovers, add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Adjust it to match your taste. You will need 300 grams of pasta. Penne or fusilli work best. Salt and black pepper are key for seasoning. Lastly, fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese make great garnishes. They add color and flavor. You can serve the dish hot, topped with these fresh items for a lovely finish. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Grab a medium baking dish. Place the block of feta cheese in the center. - Add 3 cups of cherry tomatoes around the feta. - Sprinkle 3 cloves of minced garlic on top. - Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the feta and tomatoes. - Season with ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. - Slide the baking dish into the oven. - Bake the feta and tomatoes for 30 minutes. Watch for them to become bubbly and soft. - While the feta bakes, fill a large pot with salted water. - Bring the water to a boil. - Add 300g of pasta, like penne or fusilli. - Cook until al dente, following package instructions. - Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the rest. - Once baking is done, take the dish out of the oven. - Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together until smooth. - Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish. - Mix everything well. - If the dish is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until you like the consistency. - Taste it. Adjust salt and pepper if needed. - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if you choose. When choosing feta cheese, go for quality. Look for a block of feta packed in brine. This keeps it moist and flavorful. A good feta will be creamy and crumbly. If you find a feta that tastes slightly tangy, that’s a bonus. For spice levels, red pepper flakes are key. Start with ½ teaspoon if you like mild heat. If you enjoy more kick, add more flakes. Just sprinkle a bit at a time. You can always add more, but you can't take it out! To enhance your meal, pair your pasta with a light salad. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works well. You can also serve garlic bread as a side. It soaks up any leftover sauce. For drinks, try a crisp white wine. A Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish nicely. For plating, focus on color. Use bright green basil leaves on top. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for contrast. Serve in shallow bowls to show off the vibrant colors. Your guests will love the look! {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this recipe. Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. Cream cheese also works for a smoother texture. If you prefer a dairy-free option, consider using vegan feta. For pasta, you aren't limited to penne or fusilli. Spaghetti or rotini are great alternatives. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed. Just cook it according to package directions. Adding veggies makes this dish even better. Spinach or zucchini can add color and nutrition. You could also toss in mushrooms for an earthy flavor. If you like protein, grilled chicken or shrimp fits perfectly. Herbs and spices can elevate your meal. Fresh basil adds a nice touch. You can also sprinkle in oregano or thyme for more depth. If you want heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. To keep your baked feta pasta fresh, let it cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This keeps out air and moisture. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing it. Baked feta pasta can last up to four days in the fridge. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Just remember, the texture might change a bit after freezing. To reheat your pasta, use the oven or a microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps moisture in and helps it heat evenly. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. If you use a microwave, place your pasta in a safe bowl. Add a splash of water to help it steam. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. This way, it warms up without getting dry. To make a vegan version, swap feta with a plant-based cheese. Use cashew cheese or tofu for creaminess. You can blend firm tofu with lemon juice and nutritional yeast to get a cheesy flavor. Follow the same steps in the recipe, adding your vegan cheese in the center. Bake as usual and enjoy a creamy dish without dairy! Yes, you can use dried herbs. They add great flavor. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. If the recipe calls for a tablespoon of fresh basil, use a teaspoon of dried. Add them to the baking dish with the tomatoes and feta for a tasty twist. Baked Feta Pasta pairs well with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with cucumber, lettuce, and a light dressing works great. You can also serve garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a protein boost, grilled chicken or shrimp adds a nice touch. Yes, you can freeze Baked Feta Pasta. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven. Add a splash of water for moisture! This blog post covered how to make baked feta pasta, from choosing fresh ingredients to serving tips. We explored required items like feta, cherry tomatoes, and pasta. I shared simple steps for baking, mixing, and enhancing flavors. You learned storage tips and how to adjust recipes for personal taste. Baked feta pasta is versatile and fun. Try new flavors and enjoy your dish!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of Viral Baked Feta Pasta! This easy recipe combines creamy feta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic garlic for a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s ready in just 40 minutes. Discover how simple ingredients come together for a mouthwatering dish that you won’t be able to resist. Click through to explore this tasty recipe and impress your family at dinner time!

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Ingredients

1 block (200g) feta cheese

3 cups cherry tomatoes

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

300g pasta (penne or fusilli works well)

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a medium-sized baking dish, add the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with cherry tomatoes and sprinkle minced garlic on top.

Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the feta is soft and the tomatoes have burst, creating a saucy mixture.

While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Once the baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together until well combined.

Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and mix thoroughly. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta cooking water until you reach your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 40 min | 4 servings