The internet has witnessed countless food trends, but few have taken over like the TikTok viral feta pasta. With its creamy, tangy cheese base and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes, this baked pasta is the definition of comfort food. Best of all? It requires minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients. In this guide, we’ll break down the recipe, share expert tips, and explore why this dish became an online sensation.
Where Did the TikTok Viral Feta Pasta Trend Come From?
The viral feta pasta trend began in Finland in 2019 when food blogger Jenni Häyrinen posted her Uunifetapasta (oven-baked feta pasta) recipe. The dish exploded on TikTok in early 2021 after several creators recreated it, leading to a massive surge in feta cheese sales worldwide. In some countries, grocery stores even reported feta shortages — proof of its viral power.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of TikTok Viral feta pasta lies in its simplicity. You’ll only need:
- 200g block of feta cheese (choose full-fat for maximum creaminess)
- 500g cherry or grape tomatoes (ripe and sweet)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for a Mediterranean touch)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 250g pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Optional add-ins: red chili flakes for heat, spinach for extra greens, or cooked chicken for protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Base
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Place your cherry tomatoes in a baking dish, drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss to coat.
2. Add the Star Ingredient
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the tomatoes.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta.
3. Roast Until Perfect
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and release their juices, and the feta becomes soft and golden on top.
4. Cook the Pasta
- While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, cook your pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
5. Combine Everything
- Once roasted, remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Add minced garlic directly to the hot feta and tomatoes — the heat will mellow the raw garlic.
- Stir everything together, breaking down the feta into a creamy sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to create a silky, well-coated dish.
6. Garnish and Serve
- Top with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of chili flakes (optional).
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Why This Pasta Went Viral
TikTok recipes often go viral because they’re simple, visually appealing, and satisfying. The feta pasta checks all three boxes:
- Minimal effort, maximum flavor — you’re mostly letting the oven do the work.
- Satisfying transformation — from firm feta and fresh tomatoes to a creamy, rich sauce in minutes.
- Customizable — works with gluten-free pasta, vegan feta, or vegetable add-ins.
Expert Tips for Perfect Tiktok Viral Feta Pasta
- Use good-quality feta – Avoid pre-crumbled feta; a solid block yields the creamiest sauce.
- Don’t skimp on olive oil – It’s key for flavor and for helping the tomatoes blister beautifully.
- Add pasta water gradually – This ensures the sauce clings to every piece of pasta.
- Roast until tomatoes burst – That natural sweetness balances feta’s tang.
- Make it spicy – Add red chili flakes before roasting for an extra kick.
Variations to Try
- Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Green Goodness: Stir in fresh spinach or arugula just before serving.
- Protein Boost: Toss in grilled shrimp or shredded rotisserie chicken.
Pairing Suggestions
If you’re making a TikTok-inspired meal, pair this feta pasta with a refreshing drink like Dalgona coffee for a trendy dinner-and-drink combo.
For more pasta inspiration, check out Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta — another comfort-food winner.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 15g
- Carbs: 55g
- Fat: 20g
Final Thoughts
The TikTok viral feta pasta trend shows how social media can turn a humble dish into a global sensation. Whether you’re hopping on the trend for the first time or making it for the hundredth, this recipe guarantees comfort, flavor, and a little bit of TikTok magic.
And if you’re curious about the recipe’s Finnish origins, check out this feature on BBC Food for a deeper dive into the story behind the trend.
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