If you’re craving a stress-free and tasty pasta dinner for a weeknight, you’ve got to try this Feta Tomato Pasta. It’s practically a hands-off recipe – the real magic unfolds in the oven. With only a few simple ingredients, it’s no surprise this dish became a sensation in Finland, earning its nickname as the Tik Tok Pasta!
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. (225g) pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta:
- Get some water boiling in a pot and sprinkle in a pinch of salt.
- Cook the pasta until it’s just right. You know, not too soft, not too firm. Perfecto!
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
- Warm up some olive oil in a pan on medium heat.
- Throw in the minced garlic and let it sizzle until it smells amazing.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they’re tender. It’s like a mini tomato spa day.
Step 3: Add the Feta:
- Crumble that feta cheese into the pan. Be generous; feta is the life of the party.
- Mix it around until the feta gets all cozy with the tomatoes and garlic. Cheesy love story in the making.
Step 4: Season It Up:
- Sprinkle in the dried oregano. It’s like a magic herb that makes everything taste better.
- Season with salt and pepper. You’re the boss of your taste buds, so go wild or keep it chill.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta:
- Your pasta should be cooked and ready to mingle. Toss it into the pan with the tomato-feta goodness.
- Gently mix everything. You want each pasta piece to get a little taste of the cheesy tomato party.
Step 6: Serve and Revel:
- Plate it up and admire your masterpiece. You’re basically a pasta Picasso.
- Optional: Sprinkle with some fresh herbs or red pepper flakes if you’re feeling fancy.
Video: Feta Tomato Pasta
Feta Tomato Pasta Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
| Calories | 400 calories |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| – Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 40g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| – Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 15g |
Vitamins and Minerals:
- Vitamin A: 15% DV
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Calcium: 20% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
Feta Tomato Pasta Health Benefits:
- Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, promoting heart health and skin vitality.
- Feta Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein, supporting bone health and muscle function.
- Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, contributing to a healthy heart and providing a dose of antioxidants.
- Dried Oregano: Offers antimicrobial properties and adds a burst of flavor without extra calories.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and dietary fiber for digestive health.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Feta Tomato Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Avoid Freezing: Due to the cheese and tomato textures, freezing is not recommended for optimal taste and texture.
Reheat and Reuse Instructions:
- Gentle Reheating: Warm the refrigerated pasta gently in a pan on low to medium heat. Sprinkle a little water or olive oil to keep things nice and moist.
- Avoid Overcooking: Prevent pasta from becoming too soft by reheating just until warmed through.
- Customize Flavor: Enhance flavors with a sprinkle of additional herbs or a drizzle of olive oil during reheating.
- Serve Fresh: Enjoy the revived Feta Tomato Pasta on a plate, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or red pepper flakes for a delightful finish.
Tips for making Feta Tomato Pasta
- Choose the freshest ingredients for a burst of flavor. Go for fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and minced garlic – the key players in this delightful dish. And don’t forget the star of the show: extra virgin olive oil; it’s the magic behind our sauce!
- Keep that pasta water handy. After boiling pasta, save about ½ cup of pasta water. While we might not use it today, it’s like an insurance policy against dry pasta dishes. Add it later if needed for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Pack those cherry tomatoes in the baking dish. For saucy perfection, let the cherry tomatoes huddle together. If you prefer them dry-roasted, a single layer is the way to go. An 8″x11″ baking dish is your secret weapon for achieving that ideal sauciness!
- Crank up the heat for blistered tomatoes. As a grand finale, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes or crank it up to 450°F in the final 5 minutes. Get ready for tomatoes that are charred to perfection and bursting with flavor!
Frequently asked questions
- Can you make this with crumbled feta cheese? Absolutely, crumbled feta works just fine! Just be sure to pile it up in the center so it can melt together into a delightful consistency.
- Can you make this with any other type of cheese? Absolutely, I experimented with goat cheese, and it turned out wonderfully creamy. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; it might be quicker depending on the size of your cheese block. Also, I’ve heard people having success with high-quality, full-fat ricotta, so that’s another tasty option to consider!
- What is the best type of pasta to use in this recipe? I’ve seen people whip this up with penne, spaghetti, bow-tie, you name it. Honestly, there’s no pasta police – feel free to get creative. But if you ask me, I lean towards shapes with curves or edges. They just give the sauce more places to cuddle up with the pasta.
- How long does this keep? This Feta Tomato Pasta is at its prime when served right from the baking dish. If you end up with any leftovers, just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge for a tasty encore within the next couple of days.