The world of social media has revolutionized the way we share, explore, and even create recipes. One such culinary creation that has taken the internet by storm is the Tiktok Pasta. This dish has been hailed for its simplicity, impressive flavors, and ease of preparation.
A Glimpse into Tiktok Pasta
The Tiktok Pasta, also referred to as baked feta pasta, is a viral sensation that has captured the taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. Its popularity lies in its bold flavors, creamy texture, and satisfying carb content. It’s the epitome of comfort food, combining simplicity with a high reward factor.
What Makes Tiktok Pasta?
Tiktok Pasta is a straightforward dish comprising cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil and baked alongside a block of feta. The baking process bursts the tomatoes, releasing their sweet and jammy flavors. The feta melts into a creamy, oozy delight. Adding minced garlic, basil, crushed red pepper, and pasta to this mix results in a delectable dish that’s ready in a snap.
Crafting the Tiktok Pasta
- Mix: In a baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes with olive oil. Position a block of feta in the middle and drizzle some oil over it.
- Bake: Oven-bake the tomatoes and feta until the tomatoes burst and the cheese melts.
- Boil: While the feta bakes, prepare the pasta.
- Combine: Once the tomatoes and feta are ready, stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, and pasta. If needed, loosen the mix with some pasta water. Top it off with fresh basil.
- Savor: Dig in and relish the cheesy, carby comfort in a bowl.
The ease of preparation coupled with the minimal hands-on time makes this dish a favorite for those who value time without compromising on taste. If stirring is within your skill set, this dish is definitely for you.
The Star Ingredients
The primary flavors of this pasta come from feta and tomatoes. However, if feta isn’t your preferred choice, feel free to swap it with other cheeses like baked brie, cream cheese, or ricotta for an equally amazing result.
The Origin of Baked Feta Pasta
Baked feta pasta is currently trending on TikTok due to its simplicity, taste, and visual appeal. It traces its roots back to a Greek appetizer, baked feta. The concept of combining baked feta with pasta was first popularized by Finnish blogger Jenni Häyrinen. She called it “uunifetapasta,” which translates to baked feta pasta. This dish is quite popular in Finland, with several other bloggers also featuring it.
Essential Components of Tiktok Pasta
Tiktok Pasta primarily comprises the following ingredients:
- Cherry tomatoes – Aim for the sweetest variety available. Nowadays, there are numerous types of mini tomatoes like strawberry, grape, on-the-vine, and heirloom.
- Feta – Since feta is the main flavor of the dish, go for a high-quality Greek feta that comes in a brine. If you prefer a less tart, creamier feta, French feta is a great alternative.
- Olive oil – Recipes usually call for 1/4 to 1/2 cup of olive oil. The goal is to ensure the tomatoes and feta are well-coated, with some excess oil pooling at the bottom of your baking dish.
- Pasta – You can use any shape you like. Some popular choices include casarecce and rotini.
- Garlic – A couple of cloves of minced garlic are mixed in. The residual heat from the tomatoes mellows the sharpness while still providing a robust hit of garlic flavor.
- Basil – Fresh basil and tomatoes are a match made in culinary heaven. Slice some up to stir in and keep some extra leaves whole for garnishing.
Tomato Varieties for Tiktok Pasta
The fall season is the ideal time to prepare Tiktok baked feta pasta given the abundance of sweet tomatoes. Even if you’re not typically a tomato fan, in-season tomatoes offer a unique taste worth trying. Here are some varieties you can experiment with:
- Roma tomatoes
- Grape tomatoes
- Beefsteak tomatoes
- Cocktail tomatoes
- Heirloom tomatoes
Alternatives for Tomato-Free Pasta
If tomatoes aren’t to your liking, you can try the following alternatives for a tomato-free baked feta pasta:
- Zucchini and peppers – Substitute tomatoes with 1-2 chopped zucchinis and a red pepper.
- Broccoli and lemon – Replace tomatoes with a head of chopped broccoli and finish with lemon zest.
Choosing the Best Feta
For a smooth and creamy feta, opt for one made from sheep’s milk. Cow’s or goat milk feta tends to be more crumbly. Younger fetas are more milky and creamy, while aged ones offer a more complex and intense flavor.
Greek Feta vs French Feta
Greek feta is saltier, more crumbly, and tangier, which can result in a grainy sauce. If you prefer milder feta, try French feta, which is made solely with sheep’s milk and is creamier and less tart compared to Greek feta. Bulgarian feta is another good option; it’s similar to French feta, being made from 100% sheep’s milk and not aged for long, making it creamier and less tangy.
Adding Protein to Your Pasta
If you’re looking to add some protein to your Tiktok baked feta pasta, you can easily do so by including ingredients that will cook in the oven while the tomatoes are roasting.
- Pancetta – Add some cubes of pancetta for a twist. They’ll crisp up into little nuggets of rich, porky deliciousness.
- Chicken – You can add raw, cubed chicken to the pan before you roast the feta and tomatoes. Alternatively, you can stir in leftover chicken into the sauce when you’re stirring in the pasta.
- Tofu – For vegetarians, cubed pressed tofu is a great source of lean protein. Some of the cubes will stay intact while others will stir into the sauce, making it extra creamy.
Troubleshooting a Tart Pasta
Winter tomatoes may not be the sweetest, and since this pasta doesn’t contain much sugar, the sauce can end up quite tart or tangy. A simple fix is adding some sugar. However, if you’d rather not do that, adding thinly sliced onions or shallots to the baking dish when you’re roasting the feta and tomatoes can help. The onions will caramelize in the oil, adding a jammy sweetness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tiktok Pasta
What if I don’t like feta?
If feta isn’t your favorite, you can try French feta, which has a milder flavor. Other cheese options that will work with this pasta recipe include brie, ricotta, fresh mozzarella, or cream cheese.
Do I have to use cherry tomatoes for Tiktok Pasta?
You can use any type of tomato for Tiktok Pasta; aim for about 1 lb. If you’re using larger tomatoes, quarter them before baking.
What kind of pasta should I use for feta baked pasta?
You can use any kind of pasta. Options range from casarecce and penne to rotini, macaroni, rigatoni, and even long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A medium-sized baking dish is ideal. It helps keep all the tomatoes close together and in the olive oil, preventing them from drying out.
I don’t like raw garlic, does the garlic need to be raw?
The residual heat from the tomatoes and feta will warm up the raw garlic, reducing its raw edge while still providing a robust garlicky flavor. If you’d rather not use raw garlic, you can add it to the pan before you roast the tomatoes. Just make sure to cover them in oil to prevent burning.
Enhancing the Flavor of Tiktok Pasta
Here are a few tips to take your Tiktok Pasta to the next level:
- Add everything to the pan. Original recipes often recommend stirring in raw garlic after the tomatoes and feta are baked. However, for a more flavorful pasta, add crushed or smashed garlic directly to the pan when you add the tomatoes. Other aromatics like onions or shallots or even ginger can also be used.
- Experiment with other herbs. While basil and tomatoes are a classic combination, don’t shy away from trying other herbs. Thyme, scallions, chives, oregano, parsley, or rosemary can add a unique twist to your pasta. You can also try sprinkling on some everything bagel spice or use Italian seasoning for an extra flavor punch.
- Mix up the cheeses. Combine feta with cream cheese for the ultimate creamy, cheesy goodness.
Similar Recipes to Tiktok Pasta
If you enjoyed making this simple and delicious pasta with under five ingredients, you might want to try these similar recipes:
- 2 Ingredient Creamy Herby Garlicky Pasta
- Everything Bagel Spice Aglio E Olio Pasta
- Sour Cream and Onion Pasta
- 2 Ingredient Alfredo Sauce