by Quincy Scott (’23) | March 29, 2021
A new pasta recipe has taken over the internet by storm, and just as you would expect, it originates from TikTok. This viral feta pasta recipe is easy to make, calls for minimal ingredients, and, most importantly, tastes good, so naturally, I had to give it a test. The only ingredients required are cherry tomatoes, pasta, an eight-ounce block of feta cheese, garlic, basil, and olive oil. The process of making the pasta was true to its word, as it required minimal preparation, and anyone, regardless of skill level, can easily make this in the kitchen. You simply add all your tomatoes with a generous amount of olive oil to a baking dish with the block of feta in the middle and pop it in the oven at 350 degrees for thirty-five minutes! After it bakes, you then add your cooked pasta, garlic, and basil to the dish, and there, you have a perfect and tasty dinner! My only recommendation would be to make sure you have plenty of tomatoes, so when you take it out of the oven to mix, it is nice and creamy and not overpowered by the cheese.
There are also several variations to this signature recipe if feta cheese is not your personal preference. I tried one that substituted spinach and artichoke dip in the middle, which was just as tasty as a great plant-based option. You could try whatever your favorite cheese may be, whether it is brie or even goat cheese to elevate the dish! One of the best parts about this trend is it offers so much room for creativity and customization.
Once you get your final dish, you could sprinkle on some breadcrumbs and put it back in the oven to bake for a crispier layer on top or even serve it cold as a pasta salad! Either way, if you get your hands on these relatively accessible ingredients, I would definitely encourage you to try out this recipe, whether for lunch while you are at home during virtual class, your next family dinner, or a socially distanced spring break backyard gathering! It really does not take much skill in the kitchen, and no matter how you prepare this dish, it is guaranteed to be an easy but delicious meal for everyone to enjoy!