Easy Baked Feta Pasta with Smoked Salmon (Tik Tok Pasta)

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Are you looking for a simple yet crowd-pleasing dinner idea? Look no further! Discover how to make the viral sensation, oven-baked feta pasta, at home effortlessly. This baked feta pasta is an excellent choice on a busy night. It's easy to prepare and tastes delicious. The soft and creamy feta cheese pairs perfectly with pasta, and in case you need more protein, add some smoked salmon to the mix, and you'll be good to go!

I heard about Tik Tok pasta not long ago. Internet was raving about this viral recipe, so I decided to check out all this hype about it. And boy, were they correct 👌! This baked feta pasta dish is phenomenal! Especially when adding fresh basil to it. It is heaven in your mouth!

In case you didn't know, this Baked Feta Pasta, also known as TikTok pasta, gained viral fame on TikTok in early 2021. It's a simple and delicious recipe requiring minimal effort and yields fantastic results. The dish originated in Finland, where a Finnish blogger named Jenni Häyrinen first posted it on her blog in 2019. The best part is that you can add your own spin and make your own version of the dish.

My kids love mac and cheese (find me a kid who doesn't 😏!). But I never use store-bought boxed mac and cheese; I make them from scratch at home. I know it's quicker to use the boxed ones, but being healthy food savvy, my brain doesn't accept that a favorite kid's food is packed in a box and made from powdered cheese ☺️. Especially when you can use the real thing and quickly make it at home. So, I use feta cheese in my mac and cheese recipe when I make it. But I always use crumbled feta cheese, and it never occurred to me that I could bake the entire block of feta and end up with a smooth and silky sauce. So, thanks to the Tik Tok feta pasta, I revised my mac and cheese recipe and ended up with even better results!

Smoked Salmon Benefits

There are nights when I need more energy or time to spare for lengthy dinner prep. But, if I give in and decide to order takeout food for my family, I feel guilty afterward for not serving something homemade, fresh, and healthy. So, whenever I come across a quick and easy recipe that calls for fresh and healthy ingredients, I don't think twice and save it under my favorites. This baked feta pasta deserves the spot! And you can always add your twist and make it to your liking. My twist was adding smoked salmon.

In one of my previous posts, I covered why eating more fish is a good idea. But, if you get bored with the traditional way of preparing and eating fish, you could always introduce smoked salmon to your diet. It is high in nutrients and is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. So, if you care about your brain health, some smoked salmon will be a good choice. Also, about 3.5 oz (100 gr) contains about 18 g of protein.

But it wouldn't be fair not to mention some of the cons of eating salmon. One big one is the high amount of sodium in smoked salmon, which can pose a risk for cardiovascular disease patients. Or the fact that this salmon was exposed to smoke, which can pose a risk of colorectal cancer. Remember that these risks are of concern if you eat smoked salmon daily. But, if your eating mantra is like mine to eat everything in moderation, then enjoying smoked salmon now and then shouldn't be a big deal.

Ingredients for Baked Feta Pasta

It is not rocket science to prepare this baked feta pasta. That is why I love it. I guarantee you can handle it even if you are not an experienced cook 😉. These are the ingredients you'll need:

½ package of pasta - penne, fusilli, or any other kind of pasta works well (any short pasta shapes are best, really).
One block of Greek feta cheese - I made mine with sheep's milk feta. You might try using vegan feta, but I always made it with dairy feta, so I don't know what the results might be.
One small box of cherry tomatoes (about 16 oz) - you can also use grape tomatoes, but you should cut them in half.
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste.
1 tsp oregano, 1 teaspoon of thyme, and a bunch of fresh basil.
1-2 garlic cloves, minced.
Optional: About 2 oz of smoked salmon (or more if you want more protein). You can make it without salmon; it will still taste great.
Another great option: ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or adjust to your spice preference)

I typically get my smoked salmon at Whole Foods, but you can find them in any grocery store really.

Step-by-Step Preparation of Baked Feta Pasta

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
Oil baking casserole dish with 2 tablespoon olive oil.
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish.
Add cherry tomatoes around the feta cheese.
Add salt and pepper, oregano, and thyme to your liking.
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta.
Bake uncovered at 400 F (200 C) until the feta cheese is soft and golden brown and the tomatoes are blistered (approximately 25 minutes, but it will depend on your oven).
While the feta is baking, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining (one cup of pasta water should be enough).
Prepare the fresh basil and garlic, and cut the smoked salmon into small pieces.
Once the feta is done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the softened feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes until you get a creamy sauce.
Add the cooked al dente pasta to the baking dish with the feta-tomato mixture. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
Add smoked salmon and fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions:

What happens to the feta cheese in the oven?

Feta cheese is a brined cheese with a crumbly texture. When you bake it in the oven, the heat causes the cheese to soften and even melt slightly. As the feta cheese bakes, it can develop a light golden-brown crust on the surface. The heat softens the cheese, making it creamier in texture. This creaminess can add richness to dishes, mainly when used as a topping or a sauce. Exactly what we need in this Tik Tok pasta 😏.

How do you store Baked Feta pasta (Tik Tok pasta)?

If you have leftover TikTok pasta, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Glass container is best. This will help preserve its freshness and prevent it from drying out.

How do you reheat Tik Tok pasta?

The easiest and quickest way to reheat TikTok pasta is in the microwave. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Adjust the time depending on your microwave's power and the amount of pasta you're reheating. For a stovetop reheat, use a non-stick skillet or saucepan. Add a small amount of water, broth, or milk to the pan to create steam and prevent the pasta from sticking or drying out. Heat the pasta over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it's heated. Be careful to avoid overheating the pasta, as it can become mushy or lose its texture. If the pasta appears too dry during reheating, add a splash of water or sauce to bring back some moisture. After reheating, stir the pasta well to distribute the heat evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance the flavors.