If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve come across the viral sensation known as Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes. This simple yet delicious dish took the internet by storm, capturing the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts around the world. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of this mouthwatering recipe, providing step-by-step directions and helpful tips to ensure your culinary success.
How to make Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
1. Preheat the oven and prepare the ingredients
– Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
– Gather all the required ingredients: cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olive oil, salt, pepper, cooked pasta, heavy cream (optional), Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and chopped basil.
2.Prepare the tomatoes and feta cheese
– Add the cherry tomatoes to a casserole dish.
– Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the casserole dish, among the cherry tomatoes.
– Drizzle the olive oil over the tomatoes and feta cheese, ensuring they are evenly coated.
– Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over the tomatoes and feta cheese.
3. Roast the tomatoes and feta cheese
– Transfer the casserole dish to the preheated oven.
– Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the feta cheese has softened and the tomatoes have burst, releasing their juicy flavors.
4.Cook the pasta
– While the tomatoes and feta cheese are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
– Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
5. Mash the tomatoes and feta cheese
– Once the tomatoes and feta cheese are done baking, remove the casserole dish from the oven.
– Using a fork or a potato masher, gently mash the softened feta cheese and cherry tomatoes together, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.
6. Prepare the sauce
– Optional: If desired, add the heavy cream to the tomato and feta cheese mixture, stirring it in gently.
– Add the grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and freshly chopped basil to the dish.
– Mix everything together until well incorporated, ensuring that the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Combine the pasta and sauce
– Add the cooked pasta to the casserole dish, gently tossing it with the tomato and feta cheese sauce.
– Make sure that each strand of pasta is evenly coated with the delectable sauce.
8. Serve and garnish
– Serve the Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes immediately while it’s still warm.
– Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.
By following these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to create a delectable Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes dish that will impress your taste buds and those of your guests. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Can I use other types of tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
While cherry tomatoes are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with other tomato varieties. Grape tomatoes or small heirloom tomatoes can be great alternatives, as they offer a similar burst of flavor and juiciness.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in this recipe?
The addition of heavy cream adds a creamy and luxurious texture to the sauce. However, if you prefer a lighter version, you can omit the heavy cream altogether or substitute it with a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half or milk.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil leaves provide a vibrant and aromatic element to the dish. While dried basil can be used as a substitute in a pinch, it won’t offer the same freshness and flavor. If fresh basil is not available, consider using other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano to add a touch of brightness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of regular wheat-based pasta. There are a wide variety of gluten-free pasta options available in most grocery stores.
Can I add other ingredients to customize the dish?
Certainly! Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes is a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can add cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Viral Baked Feta Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 Pint of Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 8 oz block of Feta Cheese
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to Taste
- 8 oz of cooked Pasta
- ½ cup of Heavy Cream optional, see the section titled ingredients above
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Add cherry tomatoes to a casserole dish.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the casserole dish. Drizzle olive oil over the cherry tomatoes and feta cheese and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook the tomatoes and feta in the oven for 40 minutes.
- While the tomatoes and feta cheese are cooking in the oven, boil the noodles and set aside.
- Take the casserole dish out of the oven and immediately start to mash the cherry tomatoes and cheese together in the dish. Stir in cream (optional), parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, and then the pasta. Continue stirring until everything is incorporated. Enjoy!
