I am not really up to date on the latest social media trends, but I have been overwhelmed with posts recently about the famous “TikTok Pasta Bake”. Apparently, it has actually been around for quite a while, some sources say that it first showed up in 2018 from a blogger in Finland, others say it originated in 2020, either way in this new time of quarantine cooking it has resurfaced with a vengeance. I decided to give it a try with a few of my own alterations, and I can say that it is delicious! Made in less than 45-minutes it will become a regular pasta option.
I added some extra cheese and some chili flakes because, why not? I’m sure there are many different versions that would be amazing! I think it would also be good with different kinds of tomatoes, this could become another excuse to grow tomatoes this spring! You could also substitute the pasta with Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) or Spaghetti Squash Noodles for a more low carb version. If you give it a try, let me know what you think!
Em's TikTok Feta Bake
Equipment
- baking dish
- pasta strainer
- Boiling Pot
Ingredients
- 200 grams Pappardelle pasta
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 container cherry tomatoes I used extra sweet ones
- 8 oz feta I had an additional half block in the fridge so I added it.
- 4-6 cloves garlic peeled
- 2 pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 bunch fresh basil leaves roughly torn
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 205°C / 400°F. Add olive oil to a baking dish and toss with whole cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper until everything is coated.
- Add the feta in the middle and top with a splash more of olive oil plus a few more shakes of fresh pepper and the whole garlic cloves and then bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
- After the 30 minutes, add the chili flakes and the torn basil. T¼hen set the oven to broil for another 5 minutes or until the feta and tomatoes have browned. Watch closely so it doesn't burn.
- In the last 5-10 minutes of the bake prepare the pasta according to directions then strain.
- Once the feta has browned, mash the cheese and tomato mix with a fork and then stir in the pasta.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- I used extra sweet tomatoes and an extra half block of feta because I had it in the fridge. If you omit the extra feta keep the cooking time the same for the best results.
- If the dish seems too dry when it is time to add the pasta you can add a bit more olive oil or 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water.
If you like this recipe, check out my “Pulled Pork”, or Hummus recipes! Be sure to let me know what you think!