Feta Pasta: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
The feta pasta recipe is a simple and delicious dish. It has become a viral sensation on TikTok. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This dish combines feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta. They are baked together in the oven. This creates a creamy and savory sauce. Each serving has 430 kcal, and it’s a great example of a feta pasta dish.
The feta pasta recipe is a staple in many homes. It’s loved for its simplicity and taste. It’s a great weeknight dinner option that can be made with different ingredients.
Key Takeaways
- The feta pasta recipe is a simple and delicious dish that can be made in under 40 minutes1.
- The recipe typically consists of feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta, which are baked together in the oven to create a creamy and savory sauce1.
- The dish has a caloric content of 430 kcal per serving1 and can be made with a variety of ingredients, including 10 ounces of pasta and 2 pints of cherry or grape tomatoes2.
- The feta pasta recipe is a great example of a weeknight dinner option that can be made with a prep time of 5 minutes and a total time of 45 minutes2.
- The recipe has become a viral sensation on TikTok, with many users sharing their own versions of the dish1.
- The feta pasta recipe is a great option for those looking for a quick and easy meal solution, and can be made with a variety of ingredients and substitutions2.
What Makes Feta Pasta the Internet’s Most Viral Recipe
The feta pasta recipe has become a hit online, thanks to TikTok. This tiktok pasta sensation is loved for its easy recipe and creative cooking method3. It involves baking feta cheese and cherry tomatoes in the oven. This makes a creamy, savory sauce that looks and tastes great.
The feta and tomato pasta recipe is a favorite among both home cooks and chefs. Its viral fame shows how much people love it4. It takes about 30 minutes to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights4.
Some key facts about the virral recipe include:
- It was first shared by food blogger Jenni Häyrinen on Instagram in 20193.
- The original recipe video has been watched over 2.7 million times3.
- It’s known as a one-pot recipe, which means less washing up for cooks4.
The feta pasta recipe’s success comes from its simplicity, creativity, and ease. Its popularity shows no signs of fading34.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Feta Pasta
To make the perfect feta pasta, you need top-notch ingredients. This includes feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and pasta. The right feta cheese adds a salty, crumbly flavor5. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and freshness, with 2 pints recommended5. The pasta is the dish’s foundation, and choosing the right type is key.
Some must-have ingredients for feta pasta are:
- Feta cheese: a salty and crumbly cheese that’s perfect for baking5
- Cherry tomatoes: sweet and fresh, with 4 cups being the recommended amount6
- Pasta: a staple ingredient that provides a delicious base for the creamy sauce7
Together, these ingredients make a dish that’s both tasty and impressive. It takes about 35 minutes to prepare5. Each serving has around 385 calories5. With the right ingredients and a simple recipe, you can make a fantastic feta pasta dish6.
Step-by-Step Feta Pasta Recipe
To make a delicious feta pasta recipe, follow a step-by-step guide. It takes about 40 minutes to prepare8. This includes 35 minutes of cooking time8. The recipe serves 4 people8 and needs just a few ingredients.
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)8. Bake the cherry tomatoes and feta cheese for 20-25 minutes. This makes the cheese melt and the tomatoes tender8. While the oven heats up, cook your pasta until it’s al dente.
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:
- 2 pints (4 cups) cherry/grape tomatoes8
- 8 ounces feta cheese (1 block)8
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil8
- 8 ounces pasta (can be gluten-free)8
- 3 cloves garlic8
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves8
After preparing your ingredients, mix the cooked pasta with the baked feta and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add red pepper flakes, fresh baby spinach, or sliced sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor8.
Each serving has about 355 calories. It includes 20g of total fat, 9g of saturated fat, and 17g of protein8. This recipe is tasty and nutritious.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cherry Tomatoes | 2 pints (4 cups)8 |
| Feta Cheese | 8 ounces (1 block)8 |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons8 |
Tips for Achieving the Creamiest Feta Sauce
To make a creamy feta sauce, start with top-notch feta cheese9. Don’t overcook your pasta to keep the sauce smooth. Mixing feta with heavy cream or Greek yogurt adds to the creaminess. For instance, a recipe for 4 people might use 200 grams of feta and 1/4 cup of whipping cream10.
Cherry or grape tomatoes add sweetness and acidity to your sauce9. Choose Greek feta with at least 70% sheep’s milk for a creamier taste. A bit of sugar, about 1 teaspoon, balances the tartness of the tomatoes10. For extra flavor, sauté shallots and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add dried or fresh oregano10.
Here are some extra tips for the creamiest feta sauce:
- Use a mix of feta cheese and heavy cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
- Avoid overcooking pasta to keep the sauce smooth.
- Add sugar to balance the tartness of tomatoes.
- Choose high-quality, creamy feta cheese.
Follow these tips and use the right ingredients for a delicious feta sauce. Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors10. With these tricks, you’ll make a creamy feta sauce that will impress everyone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Feta Pasta
When making feta pasta, it’s key to know common mistakes. One big issue is temperature control. It can mess up the cheese melting or the pasta cooking too long11. Also, picking the wrong ingredients, like bad feta or unripe tomatoes, is a big no-no12.
To get it right, use top-notch ingredients and cook it the right way. Here are some tips for success:
- Choose authentic feta cheese, with at least 70% sheep milk and up to 30% goat milk12.
- Cook pasta almost al dente to keep it from getting soggy11.
- Watch the baking temperature and time to get juicy tomatoes11.
Knowing these mistakes and how to avoid them will help you make a tasty feta pasta. It will have the right mix of flavors and textures13.
| Mistake | Consequence | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature control issues | Unevenly melted cheese or overcooked pasta | Monitor the baking temperature and time |
| Ingredient selection errors | Low-quality feta cheese or unripe cherry tomatoes | Use authentic feta cheese and ripe cherry tomatoes |
Delicious Variations of the Classic Recipe
Feta pasta variations are endless. You can add chicken or shrimp to the feta and tomato mix for more taste and health benefits14. Try using gluten-free or whole wheat pasta for a healthier dish.
For new ideas, check out feta pasta recipes. Adding herbs like basil or oregano can make the sauce even better. These changes keep your dish fresh and exciting, even after many tries.
Here are some tips for tasty variations:
- Choose the best ingredients, like fresh tomatoes and real feta cheese
- Try different cooking ways, like stovetop or baking
- Add chicken or shrimp for extra nutrition
For a lighter option, use Fiber Gourmet Pasta. It has 17 net carbs and 100 calories, less than regular pasta14. These changes let you enjoy your favorite recipe in a new way.
Best Pasta Types for Your Feta and Tomato Dish
Choosing the right pasta for your feta and tomato dish is key. Short pasta like penne or rigatoni is perfect. They offer a nice texture contrast to the creamy sauce15. Plus, they hold onto the flavorful sauce well, making each bite a joy.
Long pasta options like spaghetti or linguine also work well. But, they might need a different cooking time and method16. Picking the right pasta is important for a dish that tastes great and looks good too.
Some top picks for pasta in this recipe are:
- Penne
- Rigatoni
- Spaghetti
- Linguine
These pasta types pair well with feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. Together, they make a tasty and fulfilling meal17.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To enjoy your feta pasta whenever you want, follow these storage tips and reheating instructions. Cool the dish to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing it18. Leftover baked feta pasta stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge18. You can freeze it for up to 1 month in an airtight container19.
When reheating, use low heat and stir often to avoid a thick sauce18. If the sauce thickens too much, add cream or milk. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and then another 30 seconds or more19. On the stovetop, heat on low-medium with constant stirring19.
Proper Storage Methods
Keeping your feta pasta fresh and safe is key. Here are some tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days18.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month19.
- Label and date the container for easy identification.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your feta pasta, follow these steps:
- Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds, stir, then another 30 seconds or more until heated through19.
- Reheat on the stovetop using low-medium heat with stirring until heated through19.
- Add a splash of cream or milk to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Conclusion: Mastering Your Feta Pasta Adventure
Making the perfect feta pasta is a fun journey. It’s all about creativity and trying new things. By using the tips from this article, you can get better at cooking.
Use the best ingredients20, control the temperature, and try different pasta and toppings. Every time you cook, you’ll learn more about the flavors and textures. This makes the Mediterranean-inspired meal even more appealing.
As you keep making feta pasta, share it with your family and friends. It’s great for family dinners or parties. It brings people together with its delicious and beautiful look. Enjoy the process, take pictures, and let it inspire you to try more recipes. Happy cooking20!
The recipe needs 1 pound of Barilla mini penne whole grain pasta. It’s important to control the temperature to avoid mistakes like overcooked pasta or a dry feta sauce. You can also try different pasta shapes to find what you like best.
Table of Contents
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