Who still loves this iconic dish? Because we’re still totally obsessed! This TikTok-famous recipe blew up for a reason—roasted tomatoes, creamy feta, and perfectly cooked pasta create the dreamiest, easiest one-pan pasta dinner. But this time, we’re adding a fun twist by using a unique pasta shape: nodi marini (a.k.a. sailor’s knots)!
Whether you’re here for the nostalgia or trying this for the first time, you’re going to fall in love with the bold, simple flavors and minimal cleanup. Let’s make it!
đź’« Why Everyone Still Loves Baked Feta Pasta
This dish went mega-viral for one simple reason: it’s ridiculously easy and insanely good. Toss everything in a baking dish, let your oven do the work, and boom—restaurant-quality pasta at home.
Here’s why it still deserves a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation:
- Minimal prep: Just chop, drizzle, bake, and stir.
- One pan = fewer dishes (yay for lazy cleanup!)
- Adaptable: Add spinach, olives, grilled chicken, or even swap feta for Boursin or goat cheese.
- Aesthetic AF: Yep, this dish is just as gorgeous as it is tasty.
🍅 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything to gather before getting started:
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 block of feta cheese
- Olive oil (be generous!)
- Salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, red chili flakes
- ½ lb pasta – we used nodi marini but any short shape works
- ½ cup pasta water (save this before draining!)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (optional but highly recommended)
🔥 How To Make Baked Feta Pasta (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat & Prep
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, add cherry tomatoes and minced garlic, then drizzle with olive oil. Place the block of feta in the center of the dish and give it a good drizzle too.
2. Season Everything
Top with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and chili flakes. Mix the tomatoes around to make sure they’re well coated in all that spicy, garlicky goodness.
3. Bake It Up
Pop it in the oven for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta starts to turn golden-brown on top.
4. Cook Your Pasta
While your sauce is doing its thing, cook ½ lb of pasta in salted water until al dente. Be sure to reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
5. Smash That Sauce
When your feta and tomatoes are done roasting, grab a fork and smash everything together until it becomes one creamy, saucy dream. Add in a splash of reserved pasta water and parmesan cheese to help thicken and flavor it even more.
6. Add Pasta & Toss
Add your cooked pasta straight into the sauce and stir to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little more pasta water.
7. Garnish & Serve
Toss in a handful of fresh chopped basil and top with extra parmesan cheese for a flavor bomb finish.
🔄 Swaps, Add-Ons & Pro Tips
đź’ˇ Pasta Shape Swap:
If you can’t find nodi marini, no worries! Fusilli, cavatappi, or shells work beautifully because they hold onto the creamy sauce.
🧀 Cheese Switch-Up:
Not a feta fan? Try goat cheese for a tangier kick or Boursin for herby richness.
🥦 Add Veggies or Protein:
Want to bulk it up? Stir in some sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or grilled chicken for a protein boost.
đź«’ Bonus Flavor:
Olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze take this to the next level.
🥰 Why This Dish Wins on Every Level
There’s just something magical about the combo of baked tomatoes and melty feta. You don’t need a million ingredients or fancy techniques to make something totally crave-worthy. Plus, it’s:
- Perfect for date night or solo comfort food
- Easy to double for leftovers
- Instagram-ready without the stress
đź“ť Final Thoughts
If you haven’t hopped on the Baked Feta Pasta train yet—what are you waiting for?! And if you have, consider this your sign to bring it back with a fresh twist. The nodi marini pasta adds such a fun texture, and the cheesy-tomato magic is as comforting as ever.
This viral recipe is more than just a trend—it’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that belongs in your regular rotation.
❤️ Tried it?
Tag [@KeiraRecipes] on Instagram or drop a comment below! I’d LOVE to see your feta pasta creations.