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Alexandra’s Feta Pasta

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Alexandra’s Feta Pasta is a popular and delicious pasta dish that gained widespread attention on social media platforms like TikTok. It’s known for its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy preparation. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what it is, its history, components, preparation steps, and the time needed to make it:

What is Alexandra’s Feta Pasta?
Alexandra’s Feta Pasta is a viral pasta recipe that originated in Finland. It’s a one-pan dish that combines cherry tomatoes, a block of feta cheese, garlic, olive oil, and various seasonings to create a creamy and flavorful sauce that coats the pasta.

History:
This recipe gained fame after a Finnish food blogger named Jenni Häyrinen posted it on her blog in 2019. It gained international attention in 2020 when it went viral on TikTok, with users sharing their own versions of the dish.

Components:

  • 8 oz (about 225g) cherry tomatoes
  • 1 block of feta cheese (about 200g)
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 10 oz (about 280g) pasta (typically penne or rigatoni)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. In a baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and olive oil. Season with dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together.

  3. Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the tomato mixture.

  4. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft and burst, and the feta cheese turns golden brown and starts to melt.

  5. While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta cooking water.

  6. Remove the baking dish from the oven, and using a fork, mash the softened feta cheese into the tomato mixture to create a creamy sauce. You can add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

  7. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat it evenly.

  8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired and serve immediately.

Time Needed:

  • Preparation: 10 minutes
  • Baking: 30-35 minutes
  • Cooking pasta: 10-12 minutes (approximately)
  • Total time: About 50-60 minutes

Please note that the total time may vary slightly based on your oven’s performance and the pasta’s cooking time. Enjoy your homemade Alexandra’s Feta Pasta!

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Alexandra’s Feta Pasta:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximate values):

  • Calories: 450-500 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 40-45g
  • Protein: 13-15g
  • Fat: 25-30g
  • Saturated Fat: 8-10g
  • Cholesterol: 30-40mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugars: 4-6g
  • Sodium: 500-600mg

Health Information:

  1. Moderate Calories: Alexandra’s Feta Pasta provides a moderate amount of calories per serving, making it suitable for a balanced diet.

  2. Carbohydrates: The pasta contributes to the carbohydrate content. It’s a source of energy, but it’s essential to watch portion sizes for those monitoring carbohydrate intake.

  3. Protein: The dish contains a reasonable amount of protein from the feta cheese and pasta, which can help with satiety and muscle maintenance.

  4. Healthy Fats: Olive oil is a primary source of fat in this recipe, and it provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. However, it’s still important to consume fats in moderation.

  5. Saturated Fat: While the feta cheese does contain some saturated fat, this dish is not overly high in saturated fats. Moderation is key.

  6. Cholesterol: The cholesterol content is mainly from the feta cheese. For individuals with cholesterol concerns, it’s advisable to consume this dish in moderation.

  7. Fiber: The dish has a moderate fiber content, which can support digestive health and help with satiety.

  8. Sodium: The sodium content can vary depending on the amount of salt added. Be mindful of salt if you have high blood pressure or sodium restrictions.

  9. Balance and Portion Control: As with any meal, balance is key. Enjoy Alexandra’s Feta Pasta as part of a balanced diet, incorporating a variety of foods from different food groups.

  10. Customization: You can customize this recipe by adding more vegetables like spinach or roasted red peppers for added vitamins and minerals.

Remember that these values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used. It’s always a good practice to adjust recipes to fit your dietary needs and preferences.

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