The TikTok Feta Effect #FetaPasta

One of the latest no-fuss recipes to take TikTok by storm requires one baking dish, one pot, and about 20 minutes.

Most TikTok users put their own spin on the dish, but the general concept is the same - roast a block of feta and tomatoes on high heat in the oven, then mix in cooked pasta until everything is coated in the melty cheese.

Countless TikTok videos show home chefs filling baking dishes with cherry tomatoes and a block of feta topped with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Obviously roasting a block of feta with bursting tomatoes is going to be amazing. But is it good enough to break the internet?

INGREDIENTS

4 cups baby tomatoes

1 onion, quartered

3 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided

Kosher salt

Crushed red pepper flakes

1 (8-oz.) block feta

3 sprigs thyme

10 oz. pasta

Zest of 1 lemon (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 400°. In a large ovenproof skillet or medium baking dish, combine tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and most of the olive oil. Season with salt and red pepper flakes and toss to combine.

2. Place feta into center of tomato mixture and drizzle top with remaining olive oil. Scatter thyme over tomatoes. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden on top.

3. Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

4. To skillet with tomatoes and feta, add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon zest (if using) to skillet and stir until completely combined. Garnish with basil before serving.