This Vegan Viral Feta Baked Pasta is creamy, rich, and bursting with flavour. It’s an easy vegan pasta recipe that takes simple ingredients and transforms them into pure comfort food – and yup, it’s viral on TikTok for a reason!
Looking for more easy 1-pan dinners? You can’t go past my baked gyoza, both the peanut satay and the red curry versions are delicious!
This Feta and Tomato Bake is one of those recipes that always hits the spot. It went viral a few years ago on TikTok, and for good reason – it’s simple, comforting, and almost impossible to mess up. I love that it feels impressive, like something you’d order at a cosy restaurant, yet it’s made with just a handful of pantry staples. The burst cherry tomatoes create a naturally sweet sauce that pairs perfectly with the salty creaminess of vegan feta. Because it all bakes together in one dish, clean-up is minimal – a huge bonus.
The fresh basil and garlic stirred in at the end bring brightness and balance to the richness, making every bite fresh and flavourful. Since the pasta is cooked separately, you can choose your favourite shape – I like cavatappi or penne because they hold the sauce well. It’s also easy to customise with extra veggies or herbs depending on what you have at home. This is comfort food at its best: creamy, herby, and satisfying, but also fun to make. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so it’s great for meal prep too.
Main Ingredients & Why We Use Them
- Pasta – A hearty base that soaks up the creamy tomato and feta sauce; choose your favourite shape.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Sweet, juicy, and perfect for roasting into a luscious sauce.
- Vegan Feta Cheese – Provides salty, tangy creaminess and mimics the classic baked feta. You won’t miss out on the real thing promise!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Adds richness and helps the tomatoes blister beautifully.
- Salt – Enhances and balances the flavours.
- Black Pepper – Gives a touch of warmth and spice.
- Garlic – Stirred in at the end for bold, aromatic flavour.
- Fresh Basil – Adds freshness, colour, and that classic Mediterranean touch.
Vegan Viral Feta & Tomato Bake Ingredients
How to Make It
Making this Pasta Bake is easy. Just place cherry tomatoes and vegan feta in a baking dish, coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until the tomatoes burst and the feta softens. While that’s happening, cook your pasta until al dente. Once the tomatoes and feta are ready, stir in garlic and basil, then toss with the hot pasta. Garnish with extra basil and lemon zest and serve warm for the perfect comforting bowl.
Variations and Substitutes
You can swap vegan feta for vegan cream cheese if you prefer a milder flavour. Add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or capsicum for more nutrition. For spice lovers, a sprinkle of chilli flakes takes it to another level. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly too, making this recipe adaptable to dietary needs.
Equipment
You don’t need much for this recipe – just a large pot to cook your pasta and an oven-safe baking dish for the tomatoes and feta. A good knife and chopping board are useful for prepping garlic and basil. This is a recipe that shows you don’t need fancy equipment to make a delicious, restaurant-style meal at home.
How to Serve It
Serve this pasta warm, topped with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s perfect on its own, but you can also add a side salad or garlic bread for a more filling meal.
How to Store It
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Freezing isn’t recommended as it can change the texture of the tomatoes and vegan feta.
How to Make It
Vegan Viral Feta Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 225 g short pasta or pasta of choice
- 700 g cherry tomatoes about 2 containers
- 250 g block of feta cheese
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil packed and chopped, plus more for serving
- 1 lemon zested
Instructions
Prepare the Tomato and Feta Bake
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the cherry tomatoes in a baking dish large enough to hold them in a single layer. Nestle the block of feta cheese into the centre of the dish. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with the salt and black pepper. Add the minced garlic and toss the tomatoes lightly to coat, leaving the feta in place.
Bake the Dish
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and bursting and the feta is golden and softened. If the feta looks like it is getting too crispy, cover it in foil for the last 5-10 mins.
Cook the Pasta
- Whilst in the oven, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Remove the dish from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes into a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss well.
Finish with Basil
- Stir in the chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, topped with extra fresh basil.
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