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

  • Patricia Burns
    May 2, 2022

    I always look at your recipes !!There may be more but yours are always the best!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 2, 2022

      Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles

      Reply

  • Roni
    April 17, 2022

    This recipe is great as all of your recipes are. They are easy and taste great. My family loves them. Thanks

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 18, 2022

      Happy to hear that, Roni. Thank you for the wonderful review!

      Reply

  • Mellissa
    April 16, 2022

    This was a huge hit and we’re making it today for family Easter potluck! Fun story, while picking out our asparagus in the produce section yesterday and commenting on the fact it was on sale for $0.67/lb (small, thin bunches but perfect for recipes) another customer commented and said she wish she knew what to make with this. I pulled up your recipe so she could take a photo of it to find later. We even helped her find the block Feta since she’s never used that before. Ran into her again at checkout and she had all the ingredients in her cart!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 16, 2022

      Wow! That’s amazing! Thank you so much for sharing our blog with a fellow shopper! I hope you both loved this recipe!

      Reply

  • Samantha Ash
    April 12, 2022

    This turned out absolutely delicious!! I added some seasoned chicken breasts chunks before baking and added black olives as a finishing touch. We were blown away by how much flavor there was for being so simple! I want to try it with Italian sausage and some chopped sweet peppers next time! Thank you Natasha for your spin on a great dish! 🤤

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 12, 2022

      I’m happy to know that you enjoyed this recipe, Samantha. Thank you for leaving a review!

      Reply

  • Sharon M
    April 11, 2022

    I agree with everyone else – this is an excellent recipe – easy, quick & very tasty. Your recipes are consistently good!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 11, 2022

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

      Reply

  • Frank
    April 9, 2022

    Great recipe, very easy and delicious. I have made it a few times already. One time I substituted the asparagus with chicken. It was excellent. Thank you for what you do.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      April 9, 2022

      Yum! I bet this is so good with chicken! Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Frank!

      Reply

  • Nancy
    April 5, 2022

    I finally made this tonight and it did not disappoint. It’s so tasty and easy to put together. I am certain it will become part of our regular dinner rotation.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      April 5, 2022

      Hi Nancy, so glad you loved this recipe! Thank you for the review, we appreciate you sharing your experience with us.

      Reply

  • Tammy
    March 21, 2022

    Delicious! So easy and a great dish in its self or a side dish. I served with baked cod.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      March 21, 2022

      Thank you for the review! I am happy you enjoyed this recipe. That sounds delicious.

      Reply

  • Lindy
    March 16, 2022

    Deeeelicious! I added some fresh spinach after it came out of the oven and let it cook in the hot sauce for a few minutes until it wilted. This recipe is really yummy, so versatile and easy. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 16, 2022

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

      Reply

  • Sunflower9
    March 14, 2022

    Hi…Finally got around to trying this. The whole family loved it. I would add more tomatoes next time, add sautéed mushrooms after and roast my asparagus separately. Those are my personal additions. We added sausage to add more protein. A bright green salad would be terrific with this pasta. Definitely make this if you want an easy recipe to impress! The flavor was wonderful. Thank you.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 14, 2022

      Sounds greaT! Thank you so much for sharing that with us, I’m happy to know that you enjoyed this recipe. That is also a great suggestion, we appreciate it.

      Reply

  • Christy
    March 7, 2022

    It is very good! I followed the recipe as written and found it to taste a little bland. I will try increasing garlic, salt, and pepper next time.

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      March 7, 2022

      Hi Christy, feel free to add more seasoning according to your preference. Thank you for the feedback.

      Reply

    • mary
      March 11, 2022

      I added both fresh parsley and basil and it was delicious. “Make this again!” means this was a hit. After reading the comments I’m going to try adding mushrooms and perhaps peppers next time.

      Reply

      • Natashas Kitchen
        March 11, 2022

        Thank you so much for sharing that with us, Mary!

        Reply

  • Theresa
    February 27, 2022

    Hello Natasha. Love your recipes. Just wondering, what brand of feta do you use?

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 27, 2022

      Hi Theresa, happy to know that you’re enjoying them. 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

  • Kevin reed
    February 25, 2022

    Can i add basil at the end of this dish instead of parsley? My family doesn’t like parsley! This dish is absolutely delicious! We made it several times.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 25, 2022

      Hi Keven, I bet that could work! I hope you all enjoy this recipe!

      Reply

  • brenda
    February 19, 2022

    Hi Natasha i made this this week and my family loved it i did add chicken, love to here my grandsons ask for more .thank you

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 19, 2022

      Sounds delicious! I’m happy to hear that! You’re very welcome.

      Reply

  • Linda D Hendrickson
    February 9, 2022

    I have been told for my health I need to eat artichoke, do you have any way to fix it, is it good in a salad, what kind Help please.

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      February 10, 2022

      Hi Linda, I have a few recipes that I prepare with artichoke. You can search “artichoke” in the search bar at the top of my website. This will give you a selection to choose from. Here is one to get you started. https://natashaskitchen.com/spinach-and-artichoke-pasta-recipe/

      Reply

  • Lana
    February 9, 2022

    It’s truly fantastic! The only changes I made is doubled the garlic and added some sautéed spinach (I sautéed it with salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder). It’s delicious!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 9, 2022

      We LOVE garlic! Thank you for sharing that with us, Lana! I’m glad it was a hit!

      Reply

  • Jiffypopgirl
    February 9, 2022

    I like to add a handful of chopped olives (whatever type happens to be in the fridge). And to make it a complete meal I toss in some precooked shrimp (in the last minute or two of oven cooking on the cheese sauce just to reheat them). Love this for a fast, fancy healthy meal.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 9, 2022

      That sounds fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing that with me!

      Reply

  • Carmelitta
    February 8, 2022

    Natasha, I love your recipes, and follow you everyday. I can’t wait to try this recipe for Valentine’s Day–the reviews are fabulous. How do you think it would freeze? I’ve read all the comments and don’t see that anyone has tried.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      February 8, 2022

      Hi Carmelita, I think that may work. Ttransfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it for future consumption.

      Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      February 8, 2022

      Hi Carmelita, thank you for your support. I’m happy to know that you are enjoying my recipes. Regarding freezing, I think that may work. Ttransfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze it for future consumption.

      Reply

  • Shauna
    January 29, 2022

    Soooo Tasty and easy! I used a mix of vegetables including peppers and mushrooms

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 30, 2022

      Hi Shauna, great to know that you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Rita
    January 27, 2022

    Love this pasta. I make it couple times a month and I add chicken breast cut up to it. Yummmm some times I add 2 blocks of feta just because I love it. Lol

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      January 27, 2022

      Sounds delicious and I think it’s totally okay to experiment and change it up a bit according to your preference. Thank you for the review!

      Reply

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