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TikTok Viral Pareve Baked Feta Pasta (Kosher) - The Internet's Latest Obsession - Mediterranean recipe
I'll admit it, I was skeptical when I first saw this baked feta pasta taking over TikTok. How could throwing a block of feta into a pan with some cherry tomatoes create something worth all the hype? But after making my first kosher pareve version, I understood what everyone was talking about. The genius of this dish lies in its simplicity. While you can't use traditional dairy feta if you want to keep it pareve (perfect for serving with meat meals or keeping your kitchen flexible), the plant-based feta alternatives work beautifully here. The high heat transforms the cheese into a creamy, tangy sauce that coats every strand of pasta. The cherry tomatoes burst and release their sweet juices, creating this amazing contrast with the salty, rich feta. What makes this kosher version particularly satisfying is how the olive oil carries all those Mediterranean flavors. I use a good quality extra virgin olive oil because it really does make a difference when you're working with so few ingredients. The garlic gets sweet and mellow in the oven, and fresh basil at the end brings everything together. The whole thing takes maybe 35 minutes from start to finish, and most of that time is hands-off baking. This pasta works perfectly for weeknight dinners when you want something that feels special without much effort. I've served it alongside grilled chicken or fish, and it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The leftovers reheat well too, though you might need to add a splash of pasta water to loosen things up.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb short pasta like penne or rigatoni
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 8 oz pareve feta cheese block such as Violife or Kite Hill
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice optional

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large baking dish (9x13 inch works well), combine cherry tomatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything together.
  3. Place the block of pareve feta in the center of the dish, nestled among the tomatoes.
  4. Bake for 35 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and soft.
  5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Remove the baking dish from oven and immediately mash the feta with a fork, mixing it with the roasted tomatoes and their juices to create a sauce.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish and toss everything together. Add pasta water a little at a time if needed to help the sauce coat the pasta.
  8. Stir in fresh basil and lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

For best results, use a good quality pareve feta that melts well. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition Facts
4 servings per recipe
Serving size 1 serving
Calories 485
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg
Sodium 720mg 31%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 8g
Protein 12g 24%