Baked Feta Pasta is a deliciously popular dish right now both here in the U.S. and abroad. It has recently gone viral on social media. Salty baked feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic, and basil  tossed with your favorite pasta... what's not to love?

Here is a video by MacKenzie Smith a 2 time Food Network Champ, Cookbook Author, Blogger, Cheese Expert and Executive Chef in New Smyrna Beach. She has over 3.1 million views stemming from her blogging, TikTok and Instagram posts.MacKenzie is credited with this recipe going viral in the U.S.

1 lb quality semolina pasta (bow ties and fusilli are popular. Bucatini is great for a long cut)
1/2 cup olive oil, and extra for finishing
2 pint containers cherry tomatoes (around 20-25 oz)
1 block feta about 8-12 oz
2 cloves garlic finely chopped
a few pinches red pepper flakes
1 handful fresh basil leaves
salt and pepper

Instructions

-Preheat oven to 400°. Add olive oil to a baking dish and toss with whole cherry tomatoes, salt and pepper until everything is coated.
- Add the feta in the middle and top with a splash more of olive oil plus a few cranks of fresh pepper. It works best if you use a small baking dish so the tomatoes are touching.
-Bake for 30 minutes.
-Boil pasta to al dente, then strain.
-After the 30 minutes has past, set oven to 450° and bake for another 5-10 minutes or until the feta and tomatoes have browned.
-Remove the baking dish from the oven and add garlic and red pepper flakes and stir to mix well.
-Stir in the pasta and gently mix well. Finish with fresh basil, a splash of olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Click here for a printable copy

Click here for a similar N.Y. Times recipe made with Broccolini and Lemon