I remember the exact evening when this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto became a permanent fixture in my dinner rotation. It was one of those hectic weeknights where I had nothing planned and almost reached for takeout. Instead, I pulled out ingredients from my fridge, whipped up this baked feta pasta recipe, and wow—the whole family raved about it. That mix of creamy baked feta cheese and fresh pesto doused over pasta just hits the spot every time. It’s the kind of easy pasta dinner that feels special but without the fuss.
This TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto fits perfectly into the kind of home cooking I love: simple, honest, and flavorful. No need for exotic ingredients or extra trips to the store. Plus, it cooks in one dish, which means less mess and more time enjoying your meal with the people you care about.
If you’re looking for a dependable recipe that shows up just right every time, this one’s for you. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just craving a comforting bowl of pasta after a busy day, the TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto delivers consistent results and that “wow” factor without complicated steps. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
For fellow home cooks wanting a trusty recipe that mixes ease with flavor, this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto is your go-to. It’s perfectly suited to everyday cooking and a real crowd-pleaser at the dinner table.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s what you’ll gather for this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto—simple ingredients that you probably already have or can easily find. This keeps your shopping list short and dinner times manageable.
- 14-ounce block of feta cheese (look for the regular feta in brine, found in the dairy aisle)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (fresh or frozen—no worries if you don’t have cherry tomatoes; grape tomatoes or halved regular tomatoes work in a pinch)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (a kitchen staple that adds richness)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced (garlic powder can substitute if you’re out of fresh garlic)
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni is perfect; spaghetti works as well)
- 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade; I often keep a jar in the fridge for easy pesto pasta recipe moments)
- Salt and pepper to taste (simple pantry staples to round out the flavors)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves (optional but highly recommended for a fresh finish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional if you like a little kick)
Feel free to swap the pasta for gluten-free varieties if needed. The feta and pesto are the stars, so keep those to maintain that rich, creamy flavor.
Budget-wise, this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto works well because feta cheese and pesto go a long way to flavor the whole dish without needing extra fancy ingredients. Cherry tomatoes add freshness without breaking the bank, especially if you grab them when they’re in season.
Here’s a neat prep shortcut: while your pasta boils, toss the feta and tomatoes in the baking dish and prep your garlic and pesto. It saves time and keeps you moving smoothly through the recipe.
Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The pasta soaks up more flavor after sitting overnight, which is perfect for next-day lunches.
Personally, I like adding a little extra pesto on top right before serving—it adds that pop of green and fresh herbal flavor that every easy pasta dinner deserves.
Let’s Make It Together:
Making TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto feels like magic once you get the hang of it, and from start to finish it takes about 30-35 minutes. Here’s how I break it down.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This gets it ready while you prep everything else.
- In a baking dish, place your 14-ounce block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, drizzle everything with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle on the minced garlic. Add a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Bake for 30 minutes uncovered. The tomatoes will burst and the feta cheese will become irresistibly creamy. Your kitchen will start smelling amazing at this point.
- While your feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, but save about half a cup of pasta water before dumping it out. This water will help bind your sauce later.
- Once the feta and tomatoes come out of the oven, mash them gently with a fork. That creamy baked feta cheese melts perfectly with the roasted tomatoes.
- Add 1/4 cup of pesto to the mixture and stir well. If your sauce is too thick, stir in a little pasta cooking water until you get your desired consistency.
- Add your cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to combine fully. This step ensures every bite gets that lovely pesto pasta recipe flavor balanced with baked feta cheese goodness.
- Serve warm with fresh basil leaves and an optional sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
The first time I made this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto, I rushed through baking but I learned that waiting the full 30 minutes helps develop that perfect texture. While it’s baking, it’s a great moment to set the table or prep a simple salad.
If you ever feel like switching things up, try swapping out the cherry tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes or adding cooked sausage for a heartier meal. For more ideas that pair well with this dish, check out my sausage and courgette pasta recipe here.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
I usually serve my TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto as the main event, paired with some easy side dishes. A crisp, green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy pasta beautifully. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli work well too, adding great color and texture.
This dish shines for casual weeknight dinners when you want something comforting yet quick. It’s also a crowd-pleaser when friends come over, thanks to that savory baked feta cheese flavor. For a more filling meal, serve alongside garlic bread or crusty baguette for scooping up the sauce.
Presentation is simple but inviting. A sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil make it look fresh and homemade. If you have extra pesto around, a little spoonful on top brightens the look and taste.
Leftovers? I suggest reheating gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also try tossing leftovers with sautéed greens for a quick new meal.
Seasonally, this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto works great in summer when tomatoes are at their best, but it’s equally good with roasted tomatoes in winter. I’ve even made it with frozen tomatoes on those no-grocery-run days.
If you love dishes that are effortless and always pleasing, check out this original baked feta pasta recipe on Grilled Cheese Social for more inspiration. It’s a nice companion to your newfound TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto confidence.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the feta, tomatoes, and garlic mixture and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Cook the pasta fresh to avoid sogginess.
What’s a good substitute for feta in this baked feta pasta recipe?
Fresh goat cheese or cream cheese can work, but the salty tang of feta is unique. If you try goat cheese, the texture will be creamier but less sharp.
Can I use homemade pesto for this pesto pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto adds an extra layer of freshness and lets you control the herbs and nuts. Just use about 1/4 cup, adjusting to taste.
How do I adjust this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto for fewer people?
Simply cut ingredient amounts in half or thirds. The one-pan concept really shines when scaled down for small meals.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan or dairy-free?
I’ve seen readers use dairy-free feta alternatives, or try roasted cashew cream instead of baked feta cheese. The flavor will shift, but the creamy texture stays.
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
You can use canned diced tomatoes or even roasted red peppers. Just keep in mind baking times and moisture levels may vary.
Can I add protein to this easy pasta dinner?
Chicken, cooked sausage (like in my sausage and courgette pasta), or even shrimp all mix well. Toss with the pasta after baking the feta and tomatoes.
If you want more ideas chiming with your kitchen vibe, check out my turkey medallions with orange teriyaki sauce or chicken piccata pasta recipes. Both are reliable, tasty, and simple dinner options your family will love.
Final Thoughts:
This TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto has won a special place in my recipe collection because it’s just so reliable and tasty. Every time I make it, the family gathers around the table with eager appetites and leaves happy. It’s a recipe you can trust.
My Best TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto Tips:
– Don’t rush the baking step; that melting feta and roasted tomato combo is worth the full 30 minutes.
– Save pasta water to loosen the sauce—it really pulls everything together.
– Add a little extra pesto at the end for fresh flavor brightness.
I’ve tried variations like adding grilled chicken, swapping in spinach for fresh basil, and even mixing in sun-dried tomatoes. The combo with grilled chicken is the most requested at my house.
The beauty of this TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you stick to the classic or add your family’s favorites, it’s always satisfying and crowd-pleasing.
Warmly, I encourage you to make this dish your own. It’s straightforward, dependable, and full of flavor. Once you try it, you’ll see why so many home cooks, including me, keep coming back to this easy pasta dinner.
For more ideas that complement TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto, have a peek at this chicken piccata pasta recipe or turkey medallions with orange teriyaki sauce from the same comfort-food collection.
Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing and dinner stress disappear? This TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto is just the recipe you want in your back pocket.
Links to Check Out:
- For a similar one-pan wonder, see I made the TikTok Baked Feta Pasta legit 30 minutes, 1 pan.
- Love the original recipe? Original Baked Feta Pasta Recipe (Viral Tiktok Pasta) – Grilled Cheese Social is a great read.
- Curious about what food lovers say? Check out That Viral Baked Feta Pasta Thing : r/seriouseats.
- If you want to explore similar comforting foods, take a look at my chicken piccata pasta, turkey medallions with orange teriyaki sauce, and sausage and courgette pasta recipes.
TikTok Baked Feta Pasta with Pesto
This viral TikTok baked feta pasta with pesto combines creamy baked feta and sweet roasted tomatoes with fresh basil pesto for a deliciously easy Italian-inspired dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 200g block of feta cheese
- 300g cherry tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 250g pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a baking dish, place the block of feta in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then sprinkle minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Remove baked feta and tomatoes from the oven and mash them together in the dish to create a creamy sauce.
- Stir in the pesto until well combined.
- Toss the cooked pasta in the sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add toasted pine nuts on top before serving.