Feta Cheese Tomato Pasta (Easy Viral Recipe with Cherry Tomatoes)

Feta Cheese Tomato Pasta (Viral TikTok Recipe Made Easy)

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

If you’re craving a quick and flavorful pasta dish, this feta cheese tomato pasta is your answer. With just a few ingredients and one baking dish, you’ll get a creamy, tangy, and totally viral meal. It’s the same dish that took TikTok by storm, simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for guests.

This dish became popular not just because of how easy it is to make, but also because it delivers serious flavor in every bite. You don’t need to be a chef or spend hours in the kitchen to make something this good. It’s perfect for beginners, busy home cooks, or anyone craving comfort food without the hassle. Best of all, cleanup is minimal, and the process is incredibly forgiving. You can prep this while chatting with friends, multitasking with your favorite show, or even during a quick lunch break.

Why This Feta Tomato Pasta Went Viral

This pasta exploded on social media for a reason: big flavor, low effort. All you need is a block of feta, some cherry tomatoes, olive oil, and pasta. The feta melts into a creamy sauce while the tomatoes blister and burst. When everything is mashed together, it’s pasta magic – bright, savory, creamy, and comforting.

The visuals are a big part of its viral charm. There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing tomatoes roast and burst, and a block of feta slowly melting into a creamy sauce. It photographs beautifully too, with swirls of pasta coated in a pinkish-orange sauce and topped with fresh herbs. Whether you’re sharing your creation on Instagram, TikTok, or just sending it to a friend, this dish makes you look like a pro.

But beyond the looks, the flavor speaks for itself. It’s bold, salty, slightly sweet from the tomatoes, and has that luscious mouthfeel that makes you want to keep eating. One bite and you’ll see why the internet went wild for it.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 block feta cheese (about 200g / 7 oz)
• 300g cherry tomatoes
• 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4-5 shrimps, for protein

For Finishing

• Optional: 1 tablespoon minced garlic (or 2 cloves)
• Fresh basil leaves or perilla leaves, torn
• Extra salt and pepper, as needed

Pasta

• 300g pasta (fusilli, penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, for adjusting sauce

How to Make Feta Cheese Tomato Pasta

Step 1: Roast the Feta and Tomatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Peel shrimps and cut each shrimp into 3 pieces.
3. In a baking pot, place the feta cheese block in the center.
4. Surround with cherry tomatoes, shrimps and drizzle everything with olive oil.
5. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and feta looks soft and golden.

Tip: Add red pepper flakes before baking for extra heat.

As the feta and tomatoes roast, the flavors begin to deepen. The tomatoes release their natural juices, and the feta softens and starts to brown on the edges. The olive oil mixes with the tomato juices to create a light, flavorful base for your sauce. This part is not just about cooking, it’s about letting the ingredients transform together.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the feta bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add 300g pasta and cook to al dente according to package directions.
3. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce later.

Using short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli helps the sauce cling better, making each bite more satisfying. Don’t forget to reserve the pasta water - it’s starchy and perfect for loosening the sauce later. A splash can make a big difference in the final texture.

Step 3: Mash and Season the Sauce

1. Remove the baking dish from the oven.
2. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together into a creamy, chunky sauce.
3. Stir in minced garlic and fresh herbs like basil or perilla.
4. Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper, or add chili flakes for heat.

At this point, the aroma will be irresistible. The garlic adds a punch of flavor, and the herbs bring freshness that balances the richness of the cheese. You can also stir in other add-ins like lemon zest, chopped olives, or even sun-dried tomatoes if you want to layer in more depth. The sauce should look a little rustic but taste rich and smooth.

Step 4: Combine with Pasta

1. Add the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish with the sauce.
2. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
3. If the sauce feels too thick, pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water and stir.
4. Taste once more and tweak the seasoning if needed.

The pasta water makes everything silkier. Add a little at a time so the sauce doesn’t get too watery. Keep mixing until the pasta is well coated and glossy. You want every piece of pasta to pick up that creamy, tangy sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Spoon the pasta into bowls or onto plates.
• Garnish with extra herbs, a drizzle of olive oil, and optional red pepper flakes.
• Serve alongside crusty bread, a simple green salad, or even a glass of white wine.

This dish looks elegant enough to serve to guests but is laid-back enough to enjoy in sweatpants. However you serve it, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. If you’re sharing, prepare to be asked for the recipe.

Why This Recipe Works

• Roasted tomatoes concentrate in flavor and add sweetness
• Feta cheese melts into a creamy, tangy sauce
• Minimal prep with maximum flavor
• One pan means fewer dishes to wash
• Customizable based on what you have in your fridge

It’s the kind of recipe that you can make once a week without getting bored. You’ll keep coming back because it’s reliable, adaptable, and always delicious.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Add cooked chicken or canned chickpeas for extra protein
• Roast zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms with the tomatoes
• Use Parmesan or goat cheese instead of feta
• Make it vegan by using dairy-free feta
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or lemon juice for acidity
• Stir in a spoonful of pesto after baking for herby depth

This is one of those blank canvas recipes. Start with the base and remix it however you like. You’ll be surprised at how well it adapts.

Tips for Best Results

• Use block feta, not crumbled - it’s creamier when it melts
• Don’t skip the pasta water - it’s key to achieving a smooth sauce
• Add garlic after baking, not before, to avoid burning
• Roast in a ceramic or glass dish to prevent sticking
• Use room temperature feta for better melting
• Chop the herbs fresh right before serving for the most flavor

These small tips make a big difference. Even though this recipe is simple, these tweaks will elevate it from good to amazing.

Serving Ideas

• Serve with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon juice and olive oil
• Pair with garlic bread or toasted sourdough
• Add a side of roasted broccoli or steamed green beans
• Great with a cold glass of sparkling water, white wine, or even iced tea

Want to keep it low-carb? Try serving the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. It works surprisingly well.

When to Make This Pasta

• Weeknight dinners when you want something fast but satisfying
• Date nights at home - it’s romantic and low effort
• Potlucks and parties - just scale up the ingredients
• Meal prep for lunch - holds up well in the fridge
• Lazy Sundays when you want comfort food without a mess

There’s never a wrong time for pasta, but this dish fits into just about every scenario. Whether you’re feeding kids or impressing your friends, it’s a guaranteed win.

Final Thoughts

This feta cheese tomato pasta is a perfect blend of ease, flavor, and beauty. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you get a dish that’s warm, satisfying, and packed with personality.

It’s proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try, put your own spin on it, and don’t forget to enjoy every bite. It’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Let me know how yours turns out and what creative add-ins you come up with!