Viral TIKTOK BAKED FETA CHEESE PASTA My Way | Baked Queso Fresco Pasta Recipe | Meatless Dinner Idea

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: goat cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Goat cheese provides a similar tangy flavor with fewer calories.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Boil 8 ounces of penne pasta until almost done.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a small rectangular baking dish (8x8 or 9x9), add grape tomatoes and chopped garlic.

Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes and garlic, then coat and mix everything.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon of cracked black pepper to the mixture and mix well.

Place 10 ounces of queso fresco in the center of the baking dish.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes.

Once the cheese is baked and the pasta is done, reserve a little pasta water if needed.

Mix the baked cheese and tomatoes together until creamy (note: creator forgot this step initially).

Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt or pepper if needed.

Add baby spinach (as a substitute for fresh basil) and mix everything together before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens