happy friday, ladies! can you believe it’s June?! the year is zipping by as it typically does, but it’s hard to wrap my head around the fact 2021 is almost half over. Memorial Day has come and gone, and now it’s onto Fourth of July. well, not quite yet. the first blush of summer has arrived, so let’s enjoy every minute. thankfully, the weather has been on the cool side the past week, to which i say thank you! temps in Georgia are bound to heat up, so each and every day below ninety degrees is a blessing.
last weekend, i had my family over for dinner, which is always loads of fun. instead of the typical barbecue, i decided to whip up an easy pasta recipe i just had to share with y’all. what goes with pasta? if you guessed Caesar salad, go to the head of the class! check out the recipe here. in my book, there’s nothing better than pasta with a side of salad.
Tik Tok Pasta
last week, a good friend shared a recipe of Tik Tok pasta with me, which i knew i had to try! it’s been around for several years, but i had never heard of it. when it first appeared on the scene, it was so popular that feta cheese was hard to come by. that’s the internet for you!
pasta is so easy to make when you’re short on time. but trust me, this recipe is delicious! serve it as is or adjust it by adding protein (chicken or shrimp or whatever suits your fancy). use whatever pasta noodles you have on hand, although the recipe recommends short noodles. i went against that advice and made spaghetti noodles, but it turned out perfectly fine. let me tell you, if you’re looking for an easy-peasy dinner to throw together that can feed a crowd, this one is sure to please.
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Toss the cherry tomatoes and olive oil with ¼ teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Pour into a 2½ to 3 quart baking dish. Place the feta in the center of the tomatoes, then season with a pinch of black pepper. Bake until the tomatoes have burst and the feta has softened, about 30 minutes. Increase the heat to 450 degrees F, then continue to cook until the tomatoes and feta are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 13 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of cooking water, then drain well.
Right as the tomatoes and feta come out of the oven, stir in the garlic. Use the back of spoon to smash the tomatoes and feta into a smooth and creamy sauce. Toss in the pasta and half of the basil until evenly coated. Add some pasta water, a couple of tablespoons at a time, if the sauce becomes too thick. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining basil and a pinch of salt for serving.
Notes
Any type of pasta can be used in this recipe. And any type of protein. I chose spaghetti noodles and shrimp cooked with olive oil and garlic.
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Category:Main Course
my favorite pan to cook with these days is the Always Pan. now every single member of my family has one. why? it’s so versatile and a dream to clean.
what goes better with pasta than a glass of wine? cabernet is my go-to, and i recently discovered Bota Box when i picked one up for my week at the beach. the wine is quite good even though it comes in a box. boxed wine is perfect for a dinner party as it can easily keep your guest’s glasses full.
fresh flowers are a must-have for a dinner party. i’m always on the hunt for beautiful vases and love this Kähler Hammershoi vase from Pottery Barn.
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
Cheerful is the first thing that comes to mind with this pretty outfit. You rock this patchwork skirt. I love the look. Patchwork is as American as the Fourth of July. Buying this for that special day if the bank allows.
I have been waiting for the tic toc pasta! Sounds delicious, looks delicious. How do you think it would be on spaghetti squash? I’ll have to try it. I love your skirt. Hi and pats to Oscar, Ollie too.
You look great, Beth. and Oscar also looks very happy it’s Friday! I’ve made that pasta and it is really good. I haven’t done this, but I also thought it could be good on toasted baguette slices (sort of like bruschetta) sans the pasta. With basil leaves and maybe some asparagus tips or something similar? Yum. Happy weekend!
Love ❤️ your look for today! Going to try the salad, too.
I have been wondering about the cushions you have on your rattan group in your sunroom(which I am having one built much like yours). Found your set but not the cushions. Thanks for any help and as always thank you for all your work you put into your site for us.
I’ve been wanting to try that recipe! I’m glad to hear it is delicious.
Cute outfit.
I hope your June is off to a good start.
It’s raining here in Charleston today (Sat. June 5) but I did get some pool time before the clouds arrived.
Looks delish…need photo of finished dish please !
i was in charge of photos for the Tik Tok pasta and completely forget to snap one before it was served.
Cheerful is the first thing that comes to mind with this pretty outfit. You rock this patchwork skirt. I love the look. Patchwork is as American as the Fourth of July. Buying this for that special day if the bank allows.
madras just screams summer and so does this skirt!
I have been waiting for the tic toc pasta! Sounds delicious, looks delicious. How do you think it would be on spaghetti squash? I’ll have to try it. I love your skirt. Hi and pats to Oscar, Ollie too.
try it! it sounds yummy.
I look so forward to reading your blog everyday. One of the highlights of my day!
i’m so glad you’re here!
Not a fan of Feta what other cheese could you use?
goat cheese, Boursin, or queso fresco should work.
Just wondering if another kind of cheese would work as well ??
goat cheese, Boursin, or queso fresco should work.
Very pretty Beth
I love Oscar!!
He seems to be quite a character!!
Have a nice week end
oscar is quite the character! and needs lots of attention!
I’m definitely going to make that pasta dish! Just disappointed that you didn’t show the finished product.
i hear ya! that’s why i have a photographer on staff. but i took the photos in real time and completely forgot to snap a pic of the finished product.
You look great, Beth. and Oscar also looks very happy it’s Friday! I’ve made that pasta and it is really good. I haven’t done this, but I also thought it could be good on toasted baguette slices (sort of like bruschetta) sans the pasta. With basil leaves and maybe some asparagus tips or something similar? Yum. Happy weekend!
hi girlfriend! always love to hear from you. isn’t this pasta delicious?! my crew licked the bowl clean. enjoy your weekend.
Love ❤️ your look for today! Going to try the salad, too.
I have been wondering about the cushions you have on your rattan group in your sunroom(which I am having one built much like yours). Found your set but not the cushions. Thanks for any help and as always thank you for all your work you put into your site for us.
i had the cushions recovered with fabric from Ballard Designs. here’s a link – https://shopstyle.it/l/bu8vb
What a shame you didn’t have a photo of the finished dish!! My mouth was watering. 🍝🍝
you’ll just have to make it yourself and send me a photo! you won’t be sorry.
I’ve been wanting to try that recipe! I’m glad to hear it is delicious.
Cute outfit.
I hope your June is off to a good start.
It’s raining here in Charleston today (Sat. June 5) but I did get some pool time before the clouds arrived.
i think you will love this easy pasta dish!
Oh my goodness the pasta dish was divine- a real keeper.
My husband and I thank you!
Cathy
so glad you liked the Tik Tok pasta! and it’s so easy to make!
I made the Tik Tok pasta Monday and we really liked it. Something different!
i’m so glad you liked the pasta! it’s so easy to make and who doesn’t like easy?
Beth, you look absolutely gorgeous in your patchwork (Madras?) skirt and hot pink sleeveless ribbed sweater. Positively smashing!
I love the photo of Oscar licking your face. To be sure, I love all the photos of Oscar.
Also love the looks of the baked cherry tomato and block of feta cheese dish!
I came back to this thread to say I just love the upholstery on your chairs. So cheerful!
And…could you please give your cuddlebug Oscar a hug for me? Thanks! 🙂