Delicious Viral Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

Easy Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

If you’ve been on the internet lately, you might have encountered the latest viral food trend: Baked Feta Pasta. This dish has taken social media by storm for its simplicity and incredible flavor. Here’s how to make it yourself in just a few easy steps.

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Ingredients:

• 2 pints (20 oz) grape tomatoes
• 5 medium garlic cloves, peeled and halved
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 7 – 8 oz. block feta cheese (sheep’s milk variety)
• 10 oz. dry pasta such as campanelle, rigatoni, rotini, penne, bow tie, or cavatappi
• 8 oz. spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or more to taste
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare the Tomatoes and Feta: In a 3-quart baking dish, combine the grape tomatoes and halved garlic cloves. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes and garlic, then turn it to coat with oil.
   • Ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated with olive oil to prevent them from drying out.
   • Use a high-quality block of feta cheese for the best flavor and texture.
3. Bake the Feta Mixture: Place the baking dish in the center of the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. Afterward, move the dish to the upper third of the oven and increase the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes and cheese start to brown slightly.
   • Keep an eye on the dish during the final baking stage to prevent burning.
4. Cook the Pasta: While the feta mixture is baking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches al dente texture. This usually takes about the time indicated on the pasta package.
   • Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
   • Adding salt to the pasta water enhances its flavor.
5. Prepare the Spinach: Just before draining the pasta, add the chopped spinach to the pot. The residual heat will wilt the spinach almost instantly. Drain the pasta and spinach together.
   • Use fresh spinach for a vibrant green color and flavor.
   • Be careful not to overcook the spinach, as it will lose its texture and flavor.
6. Combine Everything: Once the feta mixture is done baking, use the back of a wooden spoon to smash the tomatoes, garlic, oil, and feta together into a creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and spinach to the baking dish, along with the sliced basil, minced parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes.
   • Mixing the pasta directly in the baking dish allows it to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
   • Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your desired level of spiciness.
7. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the pasta seems too dry, gradually add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce to your liking. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
   • The starchy pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
   • Season the dish with salt and pepper at the end to avoid oversalting.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the baked feta pasta to serving plates or bowls and enjoy it while it’s still warm.
   • Garnish with extra basil or parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
   • Pair the dish with a crisp salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Now you’re ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious and easy-to-make baked feta pasta dish!