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pasta tik tok

Viral TikTok Baked Pasta (Mozzarella Version)

This creamy, cheesy delight has captured the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Instead of traditional feta cheese, this recipe swaps it out for mozzarella, creating a gooey, melty masterpiece that's perfect for any occasion. Fun, accessible, and guaranteed to impress!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Baking dish pasta (9x13 inch or similar)
  • 1 Pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
  • 1 Knife and cutting board
  • 1 Colander for draining

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (optional for extra heat) (penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta)
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes
  • 8 oz (225g) mozzarella cheese (whole or fresh, in small chunks)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
    preheat the oven
  • Prepare the tomatoes
    In a large baking dish, toss the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
    preparing the tomatos for mozzarela pasta
  • Add the mozzarella:
    Place the mozzarella chunks in the center of the baking dish, nestled among the tomatoes. Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over the top.
    Baked Mozzarella Pasta
  • Bake the dish:
    Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes are bursting, and the mozzarella is melted and golden.
    baking the dish, mozzarella pasta
  • Cook the pasta:
    While the tomatoes and mozzarella are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
    cooking the pasta
  • Mash and mix, combine with pasta: Once the tomatoes and mozzarella are done, use a spoon to gently mash the tomatoes and stir the mozzarella to create a creamy sauce. Toss the cooked pasta into the dish with the tomato-mozzarella mixture, mixing until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
    adding the pasta
  • Garnish and serve:
    Garnish with fresh basil leaves and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.
    serving the dish

Video

Notes

  • Choose the Right Pasta:
    Opt for pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti that hold up well to baking and trap the sauce in their ridges.
  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
    Cook the pasta al dente to retain its texture during baking. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
  • Enhance the Sauce:
    Add a splash of white wine or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add extra freshness.
  • Use Quality Cheese:
    High-quality mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan make a big difference in flavor and texture.
  • Add Protein or Vegetables:
    Include cooked chicken, sausage, or veggies like bell peppers or spinach for a more hearty meal.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving:
    Allow the baked pasta to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the cheese set.
  • Customize the Spice Level:
    Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste or omit for a milder dish.
Keyword mozzarella, Pasta