Name: Viral Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 7 oz feta cheese ((200 g), in one block); 18 oz cherry tomatoes ((500 g), ripe); 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for baking); 7 oz dry pasta ((200 g), such as penne or fusilli); 1.4 oz mozzarella ((40 g), grated); 1 tbsp Parmesan (grated); 6-8 fresh basil leaves (for serving); 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional, for finishing)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with roasted tomato flavor, this Viral Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes turns a handful of simple ingredients into a comforting pasta dinner. Feta and cherry tomatoes roast together in the oven with olive oil and fragrant herbs until the tomatoes soften and burst. Mash everything into a rich, rustic sauce, toss with cooked pasta and grated mozzarella, then finish with Parmesan and fresh basil.

Inspired by the viral baked feta pasta trend, this easy recipe delivers big flavor with minimal prep and no complicated sauce-making. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something homemade, satisfying, and wonderfully cheesy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Inspired by a viral favorite. The combination of baked feta and juicy tomatoes creates the creamy pasta sauce that made this dish so popular.
Simple ingredients. You only need a few everyday ingredients, dried herbs, and pasta.
Mostly hands-off cooking. Let the oven soften the tomatoes and warm the feta while you prepare the pasta.
Creamy without a complicated sauce. Mash the roasted feta and tomatoes together for a rich, rustic texture.
Finished with extra cheese and fresh basil. Mozzarella adds a melty finish, while Parmesan and basil bring extra flavor to every serving.

Perfect For

An easy weeknight dinner
A comforting vegetarian pasta meal
Casual dinners with family or friends
Anyone who wants to try the famous baked feta pasta trend at home

Ingredients

Feta cheese: A 200 g (7 oz) block of feta forms the creamy, tangy base of the sauce. Keep it whole while baking so it softens alongside the tomatoes.If you love feta, try it whipped on this whipped feta pesto toast.

Cherry tomatoes: Use 500 g (18 oz) of ripe cherry tomatoes. As they roast, they become juicy and sweet, creating the tomato base for the sauce.

Dried basil and oregano: One teaspoon of each gives the roasted tomatoes an aromatic, Italian-inspired flavor.

Salt: A small amount seasons the tomatoes. Feta and Parmesan are already salty, so there’s no need to add too much.

Extra virgin olive oil: One tablespoon helps the tomatoes roast and adds richness to the sauce. An additional tablespoon can be drizzled over the finished pasta if desired.

Pasta: Use 200 g (7 oz) of dry pasta. Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, and other short shapes work especially well because they catch the creamy sauce.

Mozzarella: Add 40 g (1.4 oz) of grated mozzarella for a little extra meltiness and a cheesy finish.

Parmesan: One tablespoon of grated Parmesan adds a savory, salty finish just before serving.

Fresh basil: Six to eight fresh basil leaves add color and a fragrant finishing touch.

How to Make Viral Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes

1. Prepare the baking dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the block of feta in the center of an oven-safe baking dish and arrange the cherry tomatoes around it.

Sprinkle the tomatoes with the dried basil, oregano, and salt. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

2. Bake the feta and tomatoes

Bake for about 40 minutes, until the tomatoes are soft and blistered and the feta has softened.

The exact appearance will depend on your oven and the size of the tomatoes. You want the tomatoes juicy and roasted, with the feta soft enough to mix into a sauce.

3. Cook the pasta

While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup (120 ml) of the pasta water. You may need it later to loosen the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

4. Make the creamy tomato sauce

Remove the baking dish from the oven. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can remove the tomato skins at this stage, although this is entirely optional.

Use a fork to mash the roasted tomatoes and feta together, stirring until they form a creamy, rustic sauce.

5. Add the pasta and mozzarella

Add the cooked pasta directly to the baking dish. Sprinkle in the grated mozzarella and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in sauce and the mozzarella begins to melt.

If needed, add a small splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.

6. Finish and serve

Divide the pasta between serving plates. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.

For an extra glossy finish, drizzle each portion with a little more extra virgin olive oil, if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy.

Close-up of creamy baked feta pasta with burst cherry tomatoes

Expert Tips

Choose ripe cherry tomatoes. They provide the sweetness and juices that help create a flavorful sauce.
Use a baking dish that fits the ingredients comfortably. The tomatoes should surround the feta in a relatively even layer so they roast well.
Don’t skip the baking time. The tomatoes need time to soften and release their juices, while the feta needs to become tender enough to mash.
Cook the pasta al dente. It will be tossed with the hot sauce, so slightly firm pasta helps prevent a soft, overcooked texture.
Add pasta water only if needed. A splash can loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
Taste before adding more salt. Feta and Parmesan already contribute plenty of savory flavor.
Add the optional olive oil at the end. It gives the finished dish a richer taste and glossy appearance.

Variations

Add garlic: For a more pronounced savory flavor, add a few peeled garlic cloves to the baking dish before roasting.

Use a different pasta shape: Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, and farfalle all work well. Choose a shape that holds onto the sauce.For another quick pasta dinner, try this creamy tuna pasta

Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking or just before serving.

Add vegetables: Baby spinach can be stirred into the hot pasta until wilted. Sautéed zucchini or roasted bell peppers also make tasty additions.

Finish with extra herbs: Fresh oregano or parsley can be added alongside the basil for a different herbal note.

What to Serve With Viral Baked Feta Pasta

This pasta is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:

Fresh green salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich, cheesy sauce.
Garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up any leftover roasted tomato and feta sauce.
Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers complement the Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
A simple cucumber salad: Fresh, crunchy vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to the warm pasta.

Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a small splash of water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the refrigerator.

Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is possible, but the texture of the feta-based sauce and pasta may change after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a block of feta or crumbled feta?

A block of feta is ideal because it is easy to place in the center of the baking dish and mash after roasting. Crumbled feta can work, but it may behave differently depending on its moisture content.

Do I need to peel the cherry tomatoes?

No. Removing the skins is optional. Leaving them on saves time and adds a rustic texture, while peeling them creates a smoother sauce.

Which pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes such as penne, fusilli, and rigatoni are excellent choices because they hold the sauce well. You can also use your favorite pasta shape.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can roast and mash the feta and tomatoes ahead of time, then refrigerate the mixture. When ready to serve, reheat it gently, cook the pasta, and combine everything with the mozzarella. For the best texture, finish with Parmesan and fresh basil just before serving.

Why is my baked feta pasta sauce too thick?

The sauce can thicken as it cools or when mixed with pasta. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Is baked feta pasta vegetarian?

It can be, depending on the cheeses you use. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is always made with animal rennet, so it isn’t suitable for a vegetarian diet. For a vegetarian version, use a hard Italian-style cheese made with microbial or vegetable rennet, and check that your feta and mozzarella are made with vegetarian-friendly rennet too.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

Estimated for 4 servings, using the specified ingredients and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for baking. The optional finishing oil is not included.

Calories: 405 kcal
Protein: 17 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 790 mg

Nutrition is approximate and will vary depending on the pasta, feta, mozzarella, and Parmesan brands you use. Adding the optional tablespoon of finishing olive oil increases the estimate by approximately 30 calories and 3.5 g of fat per serving.

Good to Know

Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Course: Main course
Diet: Vegetarian, depending on the cheeses used
Cooking method: Oven-baked
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes, with the pasta cooked while the sauce bakes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Servings: 4