Baked Feta Pasta with Creamcheese & Cherry Tomatoes
This is the story of a viral TikTok trend that I knew I was going to love from the start—and spoiler alert, it did not disappoint! The idea sounded almost too simple but in the best way. Roasting a block of feta with juicy, bursting tomatoes? Of course, it’s going to be amazing! And let me tell you, it’s every bit as good as the internet promised. This baked pasta dish is pure comfort food with tangy, melty feta and sweet roasted tomatoes. But what I like about it the most is how incredibly easy and versatile it is. With minimal effort and endless possibilities, this recipe is the perfect starting point for creating your dream pasta dinner!
Now, let's dive into the recipe and get started with this creamy, cheesy delight!
Ingredients
- 200g of feta
- 450g of cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 100 ml olive oil
- 300g rigatoni pasta
- 150g cream cheese
- 10g fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Creamy Baked Feta Pasta?
Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Ingredients
Before we start, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). You’ll want the oven nice and hot to help the feta melt, and the tomatoes roast perfectly.
Next, grab a large roasting tray—the bigger, the better, so you have plenty of room to mix everything together later.
Place the block of feta in the center of the tray. Don’t worry about crumbling or cutting it up—it will break down beautifully in the oven as it bakes.
Throw in the cherry tomatoes around the feta. Ensure they’re evenly spread out so they roast and burst open during baking.
Step 2: Add the Flavor
Now comes the fun part—flavoring everything up!
Scatter the garlic cloves (either whole or halved) around the tray. Roasting garlic turns it soft and sweet, giving the sauce a mellow, savory flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two!
Sprinkle the chili flakes over the feta and tomatoes. This adds a subtle heat that balances the creaminess of the cheese. If you're a fan of spice, feel free to add more chili flakes, or for a milder version, you can reduce the amount or omit them altogether.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Then, drizzle 3/4 of the olive oil over the entire tray. The oil helps everything roast beautifully, adding richness to the dish. Hold on to the remaining olive oil—we’ll use it later to finish the dish.
Step 3: Roast Everything to Perfection
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, gently stir the tomatoes to make sure they roast evenly. You’ll notice they’re beginning to soften and release their juices, mixing with the melting feta to create a creamy sauce.
Return the tray to the oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until the feta is golden and the tomatoes are soft and flavorful. The tomatoes should look slightly blistered, and the feta will be nice and gooey. Your kitchen will be filled with a delicious, savory aroma at this point!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, it’s time to cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your rigatoni pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, but leave it al dente—you want the pasta to have a little bite, as it will absorb some of the sauce later on.
Before draining the pasta, reserve a full mug of pasta water. This starchy water is crucial for creating a silky sauce and helps everything come together perfectly.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Once the feta and tomatoes are done roasting, take the tray out of the oven. The feta will be soft, golden, and ready to mix.
Add the cream cheese directly to the tray. The heat from the roasted feta and tomatoes will soften the cream cheese, making it easy to stir.
Mix everything together, breaking up the feta and cream cheese with a spoon until you have a smooth, creamy sauce with juicy bursts of tomato scattered throughout. The garlic will have softened, and the chili flakes will have added a subtle kick.
Now, add your drained pasta to the tray. Start mixing everything together, gradually adding the reserved pasta water. The water helps loosen the sauce, making it creamy and glossy. Keep mixing until the pasta is evenly coated in that delicious sauce.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
The final touch? A scattering of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a bit of herby freshness. If you like, you can drizzle the remaining olive oil over the top for a finishing touch of richness.
And just like that, your Baked Feta Pasta with Cream Cheese & Cherry Tomatoes is ready to serve!
Why This Baked Feta Pasta Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep and just one roasting tray, you can have dinner on the table in under 45 minutes.
- Incredibly flavorful: The combination of tangy feta, sweet roasted tomatoes, creamy cheese, and garlic makes every bite a burst of flavor.
- Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Throw in some roasted zucchini or spinach. Prefer a different pasta? Penne or farfalle would work just as well.
- Crowd-pleaser: This is a dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for entertaining or a cozy family dinner.
Zulay's Final Thoughts
This Baked Feta Pasta with Cream Cheese and Cherry Tomatoes is the right mix of comfort food and fancy food. This is a dish you'll want to make again and again. The creamy feta and cream cheese sauce goes well with the sweet cherry tomatoes and mild heat from the chili flakes.
A gourmet dinner can be made with just a few items and an easy method. You won't have to spend hours in the kitchen!
That being said, try this baked feta pasta recipe the next time you want something warm and cheesy. I promise you won't be let down! Eat it at home with a side salad and a drink of wine. It will taste like you went to a restaurant.
