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

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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:

If you enjoyed this video for Baked Feta Pasta, please  (P.S. Click the BELL icon so you can be the first to know when we post a new video). Thank you for subscribing!

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

  • Lina
    August 17, 2021

    Hey Natasha,
    I have a question, What is the brand of the feta that you used? I was wondering to get which brand of feta to make this recipe.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 18, 2021

      Hi Lina, please see this note in the recipe: 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.

      Reply

  • Kylie
    August 14, 2021

    Hey Natasha,
    Can I make this recipe in a glass casserole dish?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 14, 2021

      Hi Kylie, yes, it will work in a glass casserole dish! I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • April Quick
    August 12, 2021

    I do not like tomatoes for some crazy reason I can tolerate canned tomatoes in dishes. Do you think this would work with canned tomatoes? Maybe some San Marzano tomatoes cut up with the can juices?

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 12, 2021

      Hi April, I haven’t tried that so I can only guess. You might google to see if anyone else has tried that.

      Reply

  • Heloise
    July 27, 2021

    Hi Natasha! I did really like this recipe but I found that my feta didn’t melt that well / creamy. Is there an another cheese you recommend?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 27, 2021

      Hi Heloise, I’ve heard readers mention the type of feta might be the reason why since some feta doesn’t melt

      Reply

  • Anne
    July 23, 2021

    Delicious! This is a picky middle schooler/hubby recipe. I used the fresh red and yellow cherry tomatoes, basil and yellow and green zucchinis from the garden. The zucchini I sliced large so it wouldn’t decinigrate in the 400 degree oven. Also added bite sized chicken breast. The garlic and fresh basil are KEY! Picky kids love it! Thank you Natasha! You are a genius. I love watching you on Youtube with your cheerful personality and fresh recipes.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 23, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Lisa Layton
    July 20, 2021

    Hi Natasha just made this feta pasta bake with Vidalia onion shiitake mushrooms tomatoes zucchini and squash it was amazing! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      July 20, 2021

      That sounds so delicious, Lisa. Great to hear that you enjoyed it, thanks for the review!

      Reply

  • Sheri
    July 20, 2021

    I’ve made this recipe several times, and we love it. Love the original with asparagus. Also tried it without the asparagus and stirring in cooked shrimp and coarsely chopped spinach when adding the pasta. Sometimes I added pepper flakes as my husband loves them. I also cooked it without asparagus and then added lots of chopped green onions and crispy bacon bits when adding the pasta. Nice having a basic recipe that works so well with customizing.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 20, 2021

      Yum! That sounds amazing, Sheri! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.

      Reply

  • Amanda
    July 12, 2021

    I can’t wait to try this!! I know it doesn’t call for cream but if I wanted to add some to make it a bit creamier, how much heavy cream could I add and when should I add it? Thank you

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 12, 2021

      Hi Amanda, I honestly haven’t tried that so I’m not sure if it would break the cream sauce with all the tomato in it.

      Reply

      • Tonya L.
        July 21, 2021

        Hi, let me start by saying I watch you an fb all the time I’ll be looking for something to cook for dinner and boom you come with a winner and your personality is a breath of fresh air thanks for.that. I am making this tonight and wanted to know if using dried basil can I just put it in when I bake it?

        Reply

        • Natashas Kitchen
          July 21, 2021

          Hi Tonya, we prefer fresh, but I bet that could work!

          Reply

  • Nancy Jones
    July 7, 2021

    Absolutely loved this recipie, I kept going back and forth to add chicken or not, I didn’t at the las minute and made your cilantro lime chicken breasts along with it. An out standing and truly simple meal!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 7, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that was a hit, Nancy!

      Reply

  • Italialady
    June 27, 2021

    Made this today for Sunday dinner and everyone enjoyed it!!! Used 12 oz Feta and 5 cups tomatoes for 1 lb of pasta. Simply delicious!!! Did not use any pasta water and it turned out amazing!!!! Will definitely make it again!!!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 27, 2021

      That’s perfect! Great to hear that you enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Parvathi
    June 23, 2021

    Hi Natasha, this recipe is so delicious! I tried it multiple times and my family loved it. I am planning to make this for my daughter’s birthday party. Should I alter the cooking time if I planning to make 3 times the mentioned quantity?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 23, 2021

      Hi Parvathi! I’m so glad you found it delicious! We love it too! With more ingredients, you will likely need to increase the cooking time. I haven’t doubled/ tripled this recipe myself to advise on the time.

      Reply

  • Irene
    June 18, 2021

    If you don’t have grape tomatoes on hand can you use whole tomatoes cut up. And can I use light feta. Thanks Natasha.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 18, 2021

      That’s right! It will take a little longer to roast but that should work!

      Reply

  • Adelina Alvarez
    June 14, 2021

    Going to make the Creamy baked Feta pasta and want to freeze it, can this be done?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 14, 2021

      Hi Adelina, I think that would work. Just transfer the paste to an airtight container or freezer bags and freeze it for future consumption.

      Reply

    • Peggy Bolin
      July 18, 2021

      I can make 3 meal out of the recipe and the next day I seal a meal the left overs and it freezes really well.

      Reply

  • Roxie
    June 13, 2021

    I just made and ate this and it’s so easy and delicious! I added red pepper flakes and used shells with a slice of asiago cheese bread!! Winner 🏆

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 13, 2021

      Hi Roxie, great to know that you loved the Baked Feta Pasta recipe! Thanks for sharing that with us.

      Reply

  • Suzan Dreher
    June 11, 2021

    Terrific! Simple and delicious! Will be made over and over! Thanks

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 11, 2021

      You’re welcome, Suzan! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!

      Reply

  • Rene Carvalho
    June 10, 2021

    Trying this tomorrow for lunch! When should I add the Shrimp. My hubby loves shrimp so I’m going to try it!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 11, 2021

      Hi Rene, one of our readers have tried this and here’s what they said: “I loved making this. Rather than add asparagas, I sauteed some extra large shrimp which I halved horizontally then added to the melted feta/tomato mixture along with the ziti pasta. A luscious dish!” I hope this is helpful!

      Reply

  • Natalya S
    June 7, 2021

    So Bomb! And hands down the easiest dinner! The only thing I had to chop was basil and mince garlic. That’s it!! Love it! Where has this been when my kids were babies and I had no time to cook?! Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 7, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Cathy
    June 4, 2021

    This is so yummy! Making it again and again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 4, 2021

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

      Reply

  • Tina Williams
    June 1, 2021

    I made this keto friendly by cutting the tomatoes in half and switching the pasta with shredded chicken! It was delicious!!! It’s the only way that my husband will eat asparagus!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 1, 2021

      Hello Tina, that’s great! I’m glad you were able to make a keto-friendly version of this recipe. Thank you for sharing!

      Reply

      • Megean Adams
        June 14, 2021

        Luv this ,so easy & added chicken w/ the asparagus, this is the 3rd time this month I have made this, & great reheat also, thank u for this recipe 💖

        Reply

        • Natasha's Kitchen
          June 14, 2021

          You are very welcome, Megean! Thanks for your great comments and feedback.

          Reply

  • Viktoriia McBride
    June 1, 2021

    This pasta is AMAZING! So easy and delicious

    Reply

As Featured On

Never Go "Hangry" Again!

Get weekly updates on new recipes, exclusive giveaways plus behind the scenes photos.