5 Easy TikTok Pasta Recipes You Can Make in Under 30 Minutes

1. Baked Feta Pasta

The viral baked feta pasta took TikTok by storm in 2019, originating from Finnish food blogger Tiiu Piret. This simple yet luxurious dish combines Mediterranean ingredients to create a creamy, indulgent sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Essential Ingredients:

• Block of feta cheese (provides creamy base)
• Cherry tomatoes (creates natural sweetness)
• Fresh garlic cloves (adds depth)
• Quality olive oil (binds ingredients)
• Pasta of choice (penne works great)
• Fresh basil (brightens flavors)

Quick Preparation Guide:

1. Heat oven to 400°F
2. Place whole feta block in baking dish center
3. Surround with tomatoes and garlic
4. Drizzle generously with olive oil
5. Season with salt and pepper
6. Bake 30 minutes until tomatoes burst
7. Cook pasta while mixture bakes
8. Mix everything together

Pro Tips for Perfect Creaminess:

• Save 1 cup pasta water before draining
• Use room temperature feta for smoother melting
• Don’t skimp on olive oil
• Break feta into smaller pieces while mixing
• Add pasta water gradually until desired consistency

This TikTok baked feta pasta recipe adapts well to variations. Try adding red pepper flakes for heat, swap in different cheese types, or include roasted vegetables for extra nutrition. The dish serves 4-6 people and stays creamy when reheated.

2. One-Pan Creamy Tomato Pasta

This delightful pasta dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen with minimal effort. You’ll need just one pan to create a rich, creamy tomato sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

Key Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1 pound pasta of choice
• Fresh basil leaves
• Parmesan cheese

Quick Preparation Steps:

1. Add pasta to a large, deep pan
2. Pour in crushed tomatoes and 3 cups of water
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium
4. Cook pasta directly in the sauce for 8-10 minutes
5. Stir in cream and let simmer for 2-3 minutes
6. Add fresh basil and grated parmesan

Pro Tips:

• Break up whole tomatoes with your hands before adding them to the pan
• Stir pasta frequently to prevent sticking
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting results

The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity – the starch released from cooking pasta directly in the sauce creates a naturally thick, creamy texture. The heavy cream adds richness while the San Marzano tomatoes provide a sweet, robust base. You’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal ready in 20 minutes with just one pan to wash.

3. Spinach and Ricotta Pasta Bake

This hearty pasta bake combines the richness of ricotta cheese with nutrient-packed spinach for a satisfying meal that’s gained significant attention on TikTok. The dish creates a perfect balance between comfort food and nutritional value.

Key Ingredients:

• Penne or ziti pasta
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella for topping
• Garlic and Italian herbs
• Marinara sauce

Quick Preparation Method:

1. Cook pasta until al dente (8-10 minutes)
2. Wilt fresh spinach in a pan with garlic
3. Mix ricotta, cooked spinach, and herbs
4. Combine pasta with the cheese mixture
5. Top with marinara and mozzarella
6. Bake at 375°F for 15 minutes

Nutritional Benefits:

• Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamins A and C
• Ricotta: High in protein and calcium
• Whole grain pasta (optional): Added fiber and nutrients

Pro Tips:

• Use fresh spinach for better texture
• Drain wilted spinach thoroughly to prevent excess water
• Season ricotta mixture generously
• Broil for 2 minutes at the end for a golden-brown top

This protein-rich pasta bake serves 4-6 people and reheats beautifully for leftovers. You can prepare additional portions and freeze them for future quick meals.

4. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta

This light and refreshing pasta dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in just 20 minutes. The combination of succulent shrimp, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic creates a delicate yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Key Ingredients:

• Fresh shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
• Fresh lemon juice and zest
• White wine (optional)
• Angel hair or linguine pasta
• Fresh parsley
• Extra virgin olive oil

Quick Preparation Method:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions
2. Sauté shrimp in olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds
4. Pour in white wine and let it reduce
5. Mix in lemon juice, zest, and pasta
6. Garnish with fresh parsley

Pro Tips:

• Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled – it makes a significant difference in taste
• Don’t overcook the garlic – it should be golden, not brown
• Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking for better browning

The secret to this dish’s intense flavor lies in the proper timing of adding garlic and lemon. Adding garlic too early can result in burning, while incorporating lemon at the right moment preserves its bright, fresh taste. The pasta absorbs the citrusy-garlic sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite.

5. Caprese Pasta with Pesto

This vibrant pasta dish brings together the beloved flavors of a classic Caprese salad with the rich, aromatic taste of homemade pesto. You’ll need:

• Fresh mozzarella pearls
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• Your choice of pasta
• Homemade or store-bought pesto
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Quick Preparation Steps:

1. Cook your pasta according to package instructions
2. Slice tomatoes and prepare mozzarella pearls
3. Mix pasta with 3-4 tablespoons of pesto sauce
4. Add tomatoes and mozzarella
5. Garnish with fresh basil leaves

Pro Tips:

• Room temperature mozzarella delivers the best flavor
• Use multicolored cherry tomatoes for visual appeal
• Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water to thin the pesto if needed
• Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra depth

The fresh basil pesto acts as the perfect binding agent, coating each pasta strand with its rich, garlicky flavor. The combination of cold, creamy mozzarella and warm pasta creates an interesting temperature contrast that enhances the eating experience. This dish works beautifully with any pasta shape – from penne to fusilli, or even spaghetti.

For the best results, choose high-quality pesto made with real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and fresh basil leaves. The pesto’s nutty, herbaceous notes complement the sweet tomatoes and mild mozzarella, creating a harmonious blend of traditional Italian flavors.