Baked Feta Pasta has become a major viral trend across the globe and is being called the “TikTok pasta.” Watch the video tutorial and you’ll be amazed how the feta cheese turns into a creamy pasta sauce.

Feta and tomatoes in casserole dish for baked feta pasta

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We love easy pasta casseroles from Baked Ziti to Chicken Tetrazzini and of course Classic Lasagna. If you are a fan of pasta recipes, this Baked Feta Pasta is a must-try!

Baked Feta Pasta Video Tutorial:

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What is Feta Pasta?

Baked Feta pasta is a brilliant way to create pasta sauce. You bake a block of feta in a casserole dish together with tomatoes, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a little salt and pepper. Once the tomatoes burst and cheese starts melting, you pull it out of the oven and mash the cheese into a creamy pasta sauce that melds with olive oil and juicy tomatoes.

This is our spin on this Baked Creamy Feta pasta with tomatoes and asparagus because my daughter loves the asparagus and my son swoons over those roasted tomatoes.

Feta Pasta Casserole

Origin of Feta Pasta

The Baked Feta pasta craze was started in 2019 by Tiiu Piret and Liemessa, two bloggers from Finland. Liemessa’s recipe was then adapted in the US by Grilled Cheese Social which went viral on TikTok and became a major trend. 

Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta

  • Tomatoes – cherry or grape tomatoes work great.
  • Asparagus – we added it for more veggies but you can omit if desired.
  • Olive oil – an extra virgin olive oil has the best flavor.
  • Salt and pepper – a little goes a long way since the cheese is naturally salty.
  • Feta cheese – block-style feta is best and will give you the creamiest consistency. Greek or French Feta cheese is slightly creamier but USA Feta made from cow’s milk also works great.
  • Pasta – short pasta is easier to mix in (see our favorite varieties below).
  • Parsley – use a generous 1/4 cup or substitute with fresh chopped basil.
  • Garlic – Add half while baking and the rest as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Ingredients for baked pasta with feta and tomatoes

The Best Pasta to Use

We use short pasta for feta pasta because it is much easier to stir and combine with the cheesy sauce. Use only 8 to 10 oz or it will overwhelm the sauce. These are some of our favorite options:

  • Row 1: Penne, Rigatoni, Fusilli
  • Row 2: Gemelli, Trottole, Cavatapi
6 varieties of pasta in cups

Pasta Cooking Tip: The key to a great pasta casserole is to cook the pasta until it is al dente in salted water according to package instructions. Use at least a Tablespoon of salt in your boiling water.

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta

This recipe couldn’t get any easier. Your veggies and sauce bake together in the oven while your pasta boils on the stove, then you marry them together and you have an incredible baked Feta Pasta.

  1. Prepare veggies – in a 9×13 casserole dish, combine tomatoes, asparagus, 1/3 cup olive oil, half of your minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and create a space in the center.
  2. Add Feta cheese – place an 8 oz block of feta cheese in the center and drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil and some black pepper. Bake at 400˚F for 30 minutes, until tomatoes start to burst.
  3. Cook pasta – about halfway through the baking time, start cooking your pasta in a pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup hot pasta water.
  4. Add garlic and herbs – remove the finished casserole from the oven, add finely chopped parsley and remaining minced garlic and use the back of a spoon to mash the cheese into the oil and juices released from tomatoes.
  5. Add pasta – drain the pasta and add it to the hot cheesy sauce and toss to combine.
Baked feta and tomatoes in casserole dish

Pro Tip: To make the pasta creamier or saucier, add hot pasta water to reach desired consistency. If the water cools down, warm it up in the microwave until steaming hot.

Common Questions:

Can I add protein to feta pasta?

You can replace asparagus with chicken tenders. My sister made this with a pound of chicken tenders, roasting them in the same pan with the cheese and tomatoes.

Can I substitute the tomatoes?

I don’t recommend substituting tomatoes since their juice helps for the sauce. We haven’t found anything that works as well as tomatoes.

Can I use less oil?

The oil is important to forming the right saucy consistency. I would not recommend reducing the amount of olive oil.

Does feta pasta reheat well?

Yes! One of the things I love about feta pasta is that it reheats well. Unlike a heavy cream-based sauce which can separate, this one reheats creamy. Add a splash of pasta cooking water or filtered water to keep it moist when reheating in the microwave.

Feta Pasta Casserole with juicy tomatoes

This is one of the easiest ways to prepare a rich-tasting pasta. If you try baked feta pasta with your own spin on it, I’d love to hear about it in the comments.

Serve With

We love to serve Baked Feta Pasta as a main course paired with lean proteins and these simple sides:

Creamy Baked Feta Pasta

4.98 from 234 votes
Baked feta and tomatoes pasta
Feta Pasta with tomatoes and asparagus is a creamy and easy pasta casserole. Cook the pasta while the cheese and tomatoes bake for a quick dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 6 people
  • 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 8 oz asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil , plus 1 Tbsp to drizzle over cheese
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 8 oz block Feta Cheese
  • 10 oz penne pasta
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely minced, divided
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, or basil, finely minced

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400˚F. Add tomatoes and asparagus to a 9×13 casserole. Add 1/3 cup olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss to combine. Make a space in the center and place your 8 oz block of feta in the pan. Drizzle the top with 1 Tbsp olive oil and another sprinkle of black pepper. Bake at 400 for 30 minutes until tomatoes start to burst.
  • About halfway through your baking time, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add pasta. Cook according to package instructions, stirring a few times to keep the pasta from sticking. Drain pasta (reserving some cooking water if you decide to add it later).
  • After 30 minutes, the tomatoes should burst and start to release their juice. Remove from the oven and immediately stir in remaining minced garlic and parsley and toss to combine. Use the back of a large spoon to press the cheese into the olive oil and stir until cheese is well dispersed in the dish.
  • Stir in drained cooked pasta. Add reserved pasta water if desired. Serve warm. Be mindful of those tomatoes (the juicy centers can be very hot if you eat them right away). Add reserved hot pasta water as desired for saucier pasta.

Nutrition Per Serving

411kcal Calories43g Carbs14g Protein21g Fat7g Saturated Fat34mg Cholesterol535mg Sodium446mg Potassium3g Fiber6g Sugar1143IU Vitamin A29mg Vitamin C224mg Calcium3mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Creamy Baked Feta Pasta
Amount per Serving
Calories
411
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
7
g
44
%
Cholesterol
 
34
mg
11
%
Sodium
 
535
mg
23
%
Potassium
 
446
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
43
g
14
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
1143
IU
23
%
Vitamin C
 
29
mg
35
%
Calcium
 
224
mg
22
%
Iron
 
3
mg
17
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Finnish
Keyword: baked feta pasta, feta pasta, tiktok pasta
Skill Level: Easy
Cost to Make: $
Calories: 411
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.98 from 234 votes (105 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Steven
    April 14, 2021

    Wow! So simple, so delicious! This recipe is going in “make again” folder. I actually added about 3/4 pound of chicken as well as the asparagus and everything else. This was a hit with my entire family. I say it’s a WINNER! WINNER! WINNER! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 15, 2021

      That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Gabriella Hernandez
    April 14, 2021

    Wow! This was so easy and delicious, a huge hit in my house! Thank you so much for the recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 15, 2021

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Vince
    April 14, 2021

    Hi Natasha,
    Vince back. As promised had pasta bake for supper. Added changes as in previous commented . 4oo deg covered for 25 min.. after 25 min. uncover toss, liberal dusting with Parmesan then 5 min. more uncovered.
    Now we’re talken. Afterthought, light drizzle of good olive oil would not hurt.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 14, 2021

      Nice, thanks for sharing that with us. I hope you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Vince
    April 14, 2021

    I made this. Bland and tasteless even though I added baked turkey breast and used sliced stewed tomatoes. Will try to do something with leftovers tonight. Table and a half italian seasoning- another can sliced stewed tomatoes/with juice and a teaspoon minced garlic along a sprinkling of pepper seeds. Will see ??

    Reply

    • Nicky
      April 15, 2021

      Ni kiddding it tasted bland!! you used stewed tomatoes and turkey??

      Reply

  • Maryse
    April 14, 2021

    Delicious! I used zucchini spirals instead of pasta and I loved it!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 14, 2021

      Glad you loved it, Maryse!

      Reply

  • Suzanne Schooler
    April 14, 2021

    I made this exactly as the recipe is described last nite for a quick meal, and it was outstanding. Thanks again for a lovely, fast and easy dish!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 14, 2021

      Great to hear that you loved it! Thank you for your wonderful review, Suzanne.

      Reply

  • Veronique
    April 14, 2021

    I made it monday and it was de-li-ci-ous. Thx for the easy and quick recipe.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 14, 2021

      I’m happy that you enjoyed this recipe, Veronique!

      Reply

  • Jenny
    April 13, 2021

    I didn’t see any other comments about adding toasted pine nuts so I’ll just say toasted pine nuts seemed like a no-brainer, so I did it and it was awesome! Thank you for all your great recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 14, 2021

      Oh! Great idea! I’d love to know how you like it with that addition.

      Reply

  • Joy Patterson
    April 13, 2021

    I made this with Kosher goat milk feta and Kosher gluten free pasta and it was delicious! So easy and only 5 ingredients. My husband loved it and didn’t ask for bread or salad so score easy clean up!!
    Thank you for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 13, 2021

      You’re welcome, Joy! I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Esther Andrade
    April 13, 2021

    Sooo good and EASY but looks very impressive. lol Thanks!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 13, 2021

      Thanks a lot! I hope this will become your new favorite.

      Reply

  • Lindsey
    April 13, 2021

    INSANELY melt in your mouth good! My mom and I made this with the Greek salad, love the addition of the Avocado. This dish would be so good with shrimp, although I love me some vegetarian dishes as well! Definitely will make this one again!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 13, 2021

      I’m glad you loved this! Thank you so much for your great comments and review, Lindsey.

      Reply

      • Carole
        April 18, 2021

        Natasha I love your dishes ,you can’t believe how many I make ,just had the feta for dinner,,your right it’s a go to ,,thanks for great recipes,,carole

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          April 18, 2021

          you’re very welcome, Carole. I’m happy to know that you’re enjoying my recipes!

          Reply

  • Lilly
    April 13, 2021

    If im doing the feta pasta dish but im adding protien the chicken do i still only leave it for 30 mins thats the only thing you didnt mention was the time for the protien

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 14, 2021

      Hi Lilly, since chicken tenders are fairly thin, they bake in the same amount of time, but it’s always a good idea to test for doneness.

      Reply

  • Margaret Ching
    April 13, 2021

    Can I use crumbled feta from Costco?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      April 14, 2021

      Hi Margaret, I use the block style for creamier results but I have heard that it works with crumbled feta as well.

      Reply

      • Melaine
        April 21, 2021

        If using crumbled feta cheese because that’s all I can find… should I add it at the same time? Just don’t want it to burn while tomatoes are cooking.

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          April 21, 2021

          Hi Melanie, I use the block style for creamier results but I have heard that it works with crumbled feta as well. I haven’t tried that yet though to recommend the right timing.

          Reply

  • Bushra Abidi
    April 13, 2021

    It turned out well but i dont really like parsley so do I have to add it.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 13, 2021

      Hi there, feel free to omit it from the recipe or use basil as the herbs bring so much flavor to the recipe too.

      Reply

  • christine medici
    April 13, 2021

    I am trying to avoid carbs, so I made this dish without adding the pasta. It was a fantastic side dish!! The roasted tomatoes were wonderful. Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 13, 2021

      You’re welcome, Christine! I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Kathy Rosenfeld
    April 12, 2021

    Excellent easy meal! I added some leftover sausage links that I sliced into rounds. Very good .

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 12, 2021

      I’m glad you enjoyed it, Kathy. Thank you so much for your good comments and feedback!

      Reply

  • Patricia
    April 12, 2021

    Absolutely delicious. I will definitely be making this again.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 12, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Patricia! Thank you so much for sharing that wonderful review with me.

      Reply

  • RoseAnn Martin
    April 12, 2021

    Wondering about adding some lemon zest and juice?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 12, 2021

      Hi RoseAnn, I haven’t tested this with lemon zest, but I bet that could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Judy
    April 12, 2021

    I made this with asparagus. My Greek boyfriend thought it Was very good. For me a bit tart/salty?? Used cherry tomatoes and Greek feta. Any suggestions on toning down salty taste? BTW. I love feta.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 12, 2021

      Thanks for your comments and feedback, Judy. Feel free to adjust the salt/ seasoning according to your preference.

      Reply

  • Donna
    April 12, 2021

    Can you half this recipe and can you use feta cubes?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 12, 2021

      Hi Donna, I haven’t tried that with cubes, but it may work. If you experiment, I would love to know how it goes. Yes, you can halve this recipe.

      Reply

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