(The Version Even Your Kids Will Actually Eat)
If you’ve been anywhere near a screen in the past two years, you’ve seen it:
Baked Feta Pasta. The viral TikTok recipe that had grocery stores selling out of feta cheese.
But while it’s creamy, salty, and totally addictive — most kids hear the word “feta” and run for the hills.
That’s where Christine (my wife and household chef-in-chief) comes in.
She’s cracked the code with a twist that turns this grown-up internet hit into a kid-approved dinner — no arguments, no bribes, no sad bowls of plain noodles.
Let’s get into it.
Christine’s Secret Weapon: Cream Cheese & Hidden Veggies
The OG version uses a full block of feta, which is great for adults — but a bit tangy and funky for younger taste buds.
Christine swaps out half the feta for cream cheese and adds a sneaky handful of baby spinach that melts right into the sauce. It’s smoother, creamier, and has enough flavor to keep the grown-ups happy, while staying mild enough for the little ones.
And guess what? They have no idea they’re eating spinach.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1 block feta (4 oz)
- 4 oz cream cheese (half a block)
- 3 cups cooked pasta (Christine likes penne or rotini — easy to fork!)
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded rotisserie chicken for protein boost
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Grab a medium baking dish and toss in the cherry tomatoes, garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, salt, and olive oil.
2. Nestle the block of feta and the cream cheese right in the center.
No need to stir. Just let them sit and get melty.
3. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the tomatoes are blistered and bursting, and the cheeses are soft and golden around the edges.
4. While it’s baking, cook your pasta.
Christine swears by rotini: “It holds the sauce better, and it’s fun to stab with a fork.”
5. Once baked, toss in your spinach right into the hot dish.
It’ll wilt instantly. Then use a spoon to mix everything together until it turns into a creamy pink sauce.
6. Add your cooked pasta and stir to coat.
Add a splash of pasta water if you want it even silkier. Throw in shredded chicken if you’re adding protein.
7. Serve it with garlic bread and zero guilt.
Because your kids just ate spinach and didn’t complain.
Christine’s Mom Hacks
- Want extra veggies? Add finely chopped zucchini or carrots before baking. They’ll melt right into the sauce.
- No feta at all? You can use all cream cheese or a mix of ricotta + parmesan.
- Picky eater test: Serve it with a side of breadsticks and let them dip. Dipping = fun.
- Leftovers? Reheat with a splash of milk or stock to bring it back to life.
“Look, I love Christine to bits, but I didn’t believe her when she said the kids would eat spinach. Then I watched them go back for seconds. No fights, no threats, just clean plates. She wins again.”
Wrap-Up
This recipe is quick. It’s budget-friendly. It looks fancy, but it’s basically just throwing stuff in a dish and walking away for 30 minutes.
If you’ve got picky eaters, busy weeknights, or just a craving for something creamy and comforting — Christine’s twist on the viral Baked Feta Pasta is your new go-to.
Let us know if you try it this weekend — tag us on Instagram with your version! We’d love to feature it.
Also check out my mum’s famous apple crumble recipe here!
