Finally stepping into the overdone but oh-so-delicious world of feta tomato pasta, inspired by Jenni Häyrinen! Back in 2018, this simple yummy dish, known as “uunifetapasta” (or feta tomato pasta), took Finland by storm and quickly became a viral hit. It’s one of those recipes you can’t help but love, even if it’s a bit trendy.
After saving this recipe forever, I finally gave it a go. It’s an easy pasta recipe made by baking It’s a super easy pasta recipe where you bake a block of feta with cherry tomatoes in one dish or tray in the oven. Yes, I know, it’s practically a foodie cliché, but my curiosity got the better of me, and besides, it’s a speedy and convenient lunch option for the kids! I did incorporate a personal touch so keep reading to find out more about my twist on this popular recipe!
The Origin Story
The viral feta tomato pasta all started with the clever creation of Finnish food blogger Jenni Häyrinen. In 2018, she introduced a simple but super tasty recipe that took the food world by storm. It involved baking a block of feta cheese with cherry tomatoes, turning into a creamy, flavour-packed sauce that’s hard to resist.
Little did she know that this unassuming recipe would become an internet sensation, causing a culinary storm across the globe. What started as a simple post on her blog quickly gained massive attention when it made its way to platforms like TikTok. People were hooked by how easy it was to make and how delicious the meal turned out in just a few minutes.
The dish, lovingly called “uunifetapasta” in Finland, gained a huge following because of its delicious flavours and simple cooking method. Soon enough, food lovers from all over the world jumped on the bandwagon, recreating this tasty dish in their own kitchens.
Social media was key in turning this recipe into a sensation. TikTok, especially, became the go-to place for showing off how to make it, racking up millions of views and inspiring home cooks everywhere to try their own take on the dish. Jenni Häyrinen’s creation took on a life of its own, evolving into a global phenomenon that demonstrated the power of social media in shaping food trends.
Adding Crunchy Charm to the Dish
I’ve been wanting to try this famous pasta for ages but never got around to it—until now! Perfect opportunity to use our own homegrown tomatoes and basil, which was pretty awesome. That said, I didn’t have quite enough tomatoes, so I ended up grabbing a few more from the supermarket.
One thing about me – I love adding panko breadcrumbs to some of my pasta dishes. My kids love it in their mac and cheese, so I thought, “Why not try it here?” I tossed some panko into the pasta as it cooked and toasted a bit more with butter to sprinkle on top for an extra crunch. Imagine a crispy, golden layer that takes the creamy, cheesy pasta to a whole new level of deliciousness!
The homegrown tomatoes and basil added a fresh kick, while the crispy panko bits gave the pasta a satisfying crunch. It was definitely a delight! The mix of textures and flavours made the dish incredibly tasty.
Tips & Variations
1. Experiment with Cheese – Don’t hesitate to explore various cheese options beyond feta. Try substitutes like creamy burrata or the flavourful Boursin cheese for a different taste profile.
2. Roasted Veggie Medley – Elevate the dish by introducing vegetables such as spinach or roasted red peppers. These additions not only provide bursts of colour but also contribute to the overall flavour and nutritional value.
3. Crunchy Twists – My personal twist, as you know by now, involves incorporating panko and butter. This addition brings an extra layer of texture and a satisfying crunch to the creamy feta tomato pasta.
4. Mediterranean Twist – Add olives, capers, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean flair.
5. Spicy Feta Kick – Spice it up with red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
1. Textural Delight – When serving the feta tomato pasta, highlight how the crispy panko breadcrumb topping adds an irresistible textural contrast to the creamy pasta. It creates a delightful harmony of flavours and textures, making each bite more enjoyable.
2. Versatile Meal Options – This pasta is versatile and pairs perfectly with a side salad, garlic bread, or as a standalone dish. Its simplicity allows for various serving options to suit different occasions and preferences.
Alternative Cheese Options
For those seeking alternatives to feta, consider some of the following :
Burrata – creamy goodness and flavoursome and less salty than feta.
Boursin cheese – Its creamy and herby nature can bring a unique and flavourful twist. I personally like their cranberry and pepper flavour.
Gruyère – Nutty and slightly sweet, Gruyère melts beautifully.
Fontina – A semi-soft cheese with a mild and buttery taste.
Alternatives for Vegans
- Vegan Parmesan – Use a plant-based Parmesan substitute for a savoury, cheesy flavour.
- Cashew Cream – Create a creamy texture with cashew cream by blending soaked cashews with water.
- Nutritional Yeast – Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami taste without dairy.
- Vegan Feta – Opt for store-bought or homemade vegan feta for that tangy kick.
- Tofu Ricotta – Blend tofu with garlic, lemon, and herbs to make a vegan ricotta substitute.
- Dairy-Free Pesto – Incorporate a vegan pesto made with nuts, nutritional yeast, and fresh basil.
People all over the world are loving the viral feta tomato pasta recipe. Its simple yet delicious taste has made it a staple in many homes. As food trends change, this dish shows how social media can transform our cooking adventures.
Have you tried this pasta dish yet? If so, what have been some of your new twists! Share with me in the comments!
Ingredients:
- 1 block of feta cheese (200-250g)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes or as much as you need to fill up the dish you will use
- 250g pasta (of your choice)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Herbs and spices (optional)
- Panko (optional)
- Butter
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
- 3-4 tablespoons pesto sauce (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400 and prepare a baking dish.
- Put in your cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, herbs and any other ingredients you wish to use and add drizzle of olive oil. Give everything a good mix.
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center, surrounded by the tomatoes.
- Place in oven and bake until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden and creamy.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- Lightly toast some panko and butter together for topping.
- Combine the roasted ingredients and pasta, stirring until well combined.
- Garnish with some fresh herbs and the crispy panko topping before serving.