The Gluten Free Revolution of a Modern Classic
If you spent any time on social media over the last few years, you’ve likely seen the mesmerizing sight of a golden-brown block of feta cheese melting into a sea of blistered cherry tomatoes. Originally popularized in Finland and later explosive on TikTok, the Baked Feta Pasta recipe became a global phenomenon for one reason: it is incredibly simple yet tastes like high-end Italian comfort food.
For those of us living a gluten free lifestyle, “viral” pasta trends can often feel like something we have to watch from the sidelines. However, the beauty of this dish lies in the sauce, which is naturally gluten free. By making a few intentional choices regarding pasta texture and cooking technique, the gluten free recipe version isn’t just a “substitute”, it is a masterpiece in its own right.
Best Gluten Free Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 shallot quartered
- 3 cloves garlic smashed
- ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil divided
- Kosher salt
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 block feta
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme
- 10 oz. gluten free pasta
- Zest of 1 lemon optional
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or medium baking dish, combine tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and all but 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil2 pints cherry tomatoes, 1 shallot, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- Season with salt and red pepper flakes and toss to combineKosher salt, Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- Place feta into center of tomato mixture and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil1 block feta
- Add thyme sprigs over tomatoes3 sprigs fresh thyme
- Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden on top
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook gluten free pasta until al dente according to package directions10 oz. gluten free pasta
- Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining
- In skillet with tomatoes and feta, add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon zest (if using) and stir until combinedZest of 1 lemon
- Garnish with basil and serve!Fresh basil
Nutrition Details
Tried this gluten free recipe?
Let us know how it was!Choosing the Right Gluten Free Pasta
The success of this dish hinges on the pasta’s ability to hold onto the thick, creamy feta sauce. When choosing a gluten free noodle, texture is everything.
- Brown Rice Pasta: Offers a neutral flavour and a classic “al dente” bite that mimics traditional wheat pasta.
- Corn and Quinoa Blends: These often hold their shape better during the tossing process and provide a beautiful golden hue that complements the roasted tomatoes.
- Chickpea Pasta: A great way to add protein, though be careful not to overcook it, as the starches can become slightly grainy when mixed with heavy cheese.
We recommend shapes like Fusilli, Penne, or Rigatoni for this gluten free baked feta pasta dish. These shapes have “nooks and crannies” that trap the melted feta and tomato juices, ensuring every bite is flavourful.
The Secret is in the Roast
The magic happens in a single 9×13 baking dish. You begin by surrounding a block of high-quality feta with two pints of cherry tomatoes. Don’t skimp on the olive oil; it emulsifies with the cheese and tomato acids to create that signature silkiness.
As the tomatoes roast, they burst, releasing their sugars which caramelize under the heat. Meanwhile, the feta softens, losing its salty “squeak” and transforming into a spreadable, velvety cream. Adding fresh garlic and red pepper flakes halfway through prevents the garlic from burning while ensuring the oil is deeply infused with aromatics.
The Gluten Free “Liquid Gold”
One critical tip for gluten free pasta: Save your pasta water. Gluten free pasta tends to absorb moisture faster than regular pasta. If your dish looks a little dry after mixing, adding 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water will loosen the sauce and help it coat the noodles perfectly without becoming oily.
Elevating the Dish
While the base recipe is perfect, Gluten Free Journey is all about customization. For a boost of nutrition, stir in a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach at the very end, the residual heat will wilt it perfectly. If you want more protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp are excellent additions. To finish, a heavy hand of fresh basil and a crack of black pepper bring a brightness that cuts through the richness of the feta.
This recipe is more than just a trend; it’s a testament to how accessible and delicious gluten free cooking can be when you focus on high-quality, whole ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Feta Pasta
For the creamiest results, always use a block of feta in brine rather than pre-crumbled feta. Crumbled feta is often coated in anti-caking agents (which are sometimes derived from starches) and it doesn’t melt as smoothly as the block variety.
Cook your gluten free pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions (al dente). Since you will be tossing the hot pasta with the hot sauce, it will continue to cook slightly. Rinsing it briefly in warm water can also remove excess surface starch that causes clumping.
Yes! There are several high-quality vegan “feta-style” blocks made from coconut oil or nuts (like Violife). They melt slightly differently but still provide a delicious, tangy creaminess.
This usually happens if the heat was too high or if the pasta water wasn’t added. If it looks oily, add a splash of starchy pasta water and stir vigorously; this helps the oil and cheese emulsify into a smooth sauce.
Gluten free pasta can harden in the fridge. It’s best eaten fresh, but you can store it for up to 2 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or milk and microwave or heat on the stovetop to bring the creaminess back to life.
Yes, but they will release more water than fresh ones. You may need to roast them for an extra 5–10 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce and the flavours to concentrate.
This was INCREDIBLE! I am not a great cook by any means but this was easy and tasted like someone who was educated in cooking might have made it! You must try this – it’s a winner!
A great recipe every time!