Description
This vibrant Mediterranean pasta dish skips alcohol and pork, using cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic, and herbs for a light, indulgent meal. High-heat baking caramelizes the feta and chars the tomatoes, creating a rich umami flavor without heavy cream. Ready in one dish, it combines ease with bold taste.
Ingredients
Bowtie/Orgo Pasta (1 lb)
Olive Oil (1 cup)
Cherry Tomatoes (2 pints)
Feta Cheese (8 oz block)
Garlic (4 cloves)
Red Pepper Flakes (2 pinches)
Fresh Basil (1 handful)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
Grease an 11×13-inch baking dish with 3 tbsp oil
Trim 1 tbsp oil from total quantity for final toss
Cook 1 lb pasta al dente; drain and toss with remaining oil, chopped garlic, and torn basil
Spread the pasta mixture in the dish
Halve the cherry tomatoes and arrange on top of the pasta
Place the block of feta cheese over the tomatoes
Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes
Increase oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) and bake an additional 10 minutes for a crispy top
Sprinkle with remaining basil and red pepper flakes after baking
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving
Notes
Use sun-dried tomatoes as a halal alternative
Swap feta with vegan cheese for dietary preferences
Balsamic glaze (optional) can be substituted with a sugar-free vinegar for lower sodium
Fresh herbs can be replaced with parsley or thyme
Serve at room temperature for a textural balance
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 40
- Category: Viral TikTok Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg