There are recipes that go viral for the fun of it… and then there are recipes that deserve the hype. This baked feta pasta? Totally earned it. I remember the first time I made it — the whole house smelled like garlic, tomatoes, and bubbling cheese, and the second I stirred that hot, melty feta into the pasta, I knew we had a keeper.

It’s creamy, tangy, and ridiculously easy — just toss everything in a baking dish, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. What I love most? It’s a one-pan wonder that feels fancy, but takes hardly any effort.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without stress, this is one of those recipes that’s made its way into our regular rotation. My kids ask for it. My friends text for the recipe. And now, it’s yours too.

Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

• 1 (8 oz) block of feta cheese

• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or any short cut)

• ½ cup reserved pasta water

• 1½ cups baby spinach (optional)

• Fresh basil, for garnish

How to Make Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. In a 9x13 baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat, then nestle the block of feta in the center.

2. Bake. Roast for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and golden on top.

3. Cook the pasta. While the feta bakes, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

4. Combine. Remove the dish from the oven and stir everything together until creamy. Add in cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and spinach if using. Toss until coated and creamy.

5. Serve. Top with fresh basil and serve warm.

Sarah’s Simple Tips

• Use good feta. A solid block (not crumbled) of full-fat feta melts best and gives that ultra-creamy texture.

• Add protein. Stir in grilled chicken, shrimp, or white beans to make it heartier.

• Make it your own. Try adding olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

Flavorful Conclusion

This baked feta pasta is the definition of easy comfort — creamy, cheesy, and full of roasted tomato flavor in every bite. It’s one of those meals that feels like you did something special… even though it all came together in one dish with barely any cleanup. Dinner magic, if you ask me.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):
Calories: 490
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 15g
Sodium: 610mg