The Viral Sensation: TikTok’s Baked Feta Pasta

Introduction

The culinary world has been repeatedly shaken by simple, yet brilliant, recipes originating on social media, and few have achieved the global dominance of the Baked Feta Pasta. Originally dubbed “Uunifetapasta” by Finnish food blogger Jenni Häyrinen, this dish exploded on TikTok in 2021, becoming a worldwide obsession due to its minimal effort and stunning flavor payoff. It requires just one pan (or baking dish) and transforms a block of salty feta and sweet cherry tomatoes into a creamy, vibrant sauce—a true testament to the power of simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 block (200g / 7 oz) Feta Cheese, preferably Greek style
• 900g (2 lbs) Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
• 120 ml (½ cup) Extra Virgin Olive Oil, divided
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 400g (14 oz) Dried Pasta (Penne, Rigatoni, or Orecchiette)
• ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
• ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
• Fresh Basil Leaves, for garnish

Step-by-step Preparation

1. Preheat and Arrange: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the cherry tomatoes in a large oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle 90 ml (3/8 cup) of the olive oil over the tomatoes. Season generously with salt, pepper, and oregano.

   Tip: Ensure the baking dish is large enough to mix the pasta later, minimizing cleanup.
2. Place the Feta: Create a small well in the center of the tomatoes and place the entire block of feta cheese there. Drizzle the remaining 30 ml (1/8 cup) of olive oil over the feta. Sprinkle the minced garlic and red pepper flakes around the feta and tomatoes.

   Tip: Do not break the feta. Baking it whole allows it to soften uniformly and prevents it from drying out.

3. Bake Until Bursting: Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and wrinkled, and the feta cheese is soft and lightly golden brown on top.

   Tip: While the dish bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente.

4. Mix and Serve: Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spatula, gently mash the tomatoes and feta together until they form a creamy, chunky sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Nutritional Information

This recipe provides approximately 580–650 calories per serving (based on 4 servings). It is high in healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil and provides a substantial amount of protein from the feta. Tomatoes offer essential vitamins (C and K) and antioxidants like lycopene, which is enhanced when cooked. Due to the cheese and oil content, this is a rich, satisfying meal.

Storage

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. When reheating, the sauce tends to thicken considerably. To restore creaminess, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the feta texture rubbery.

Conclusion

Baked Feta Pasta is more than just a trend; it’s a staple of modern comfort cooking. For serving, a crisp green salad or a slice of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment. If you want to customize your viral dish, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes, a handful of spinach during the mixing stage, or a protein like grilled chicken or shrimp after baking. Enjoy this simple, creamy, and undeniably delicious internet sensation!