Crockpot Feta Pasta – The Viral TikTok Recipe, Slow‑Cooker Style

Inspired by TikTok’s baked feta pasta trend, this Crockpot Feta Pasta brings all the creamy tomato‑feta goodness into your slow cooker. You toss feta, tomatoes, cream cheese (optional), garlic, and herbs in, let it melt down into sauce, then stir in pasta for an easy, crowd‑pleasing meal. Below you’ll find the full recipe, tips, variations, internal links to related recipes, and FAQs to get perfect results.

Why Try a Crockpot Version?

Hands-Off Comfort with Viral Appeal

The original baked feta pasta went viral for being simple, comforting, and craveable. By adapting it to a crockpot, you allow flavors to meld while you go about your day. It’s fuss-free yet still delivers that rich, creamy sauce everyone loves. The slow cooker version is already featured in many recipe blogs as a trend‑worthy adaptation.

Customizable & Versatile

Whether you want a vegetarian version or want to add protein like chicken, this recipe handles it. Use different pastas, herbs, or mix-ins to make it yours. If you love cheesy pastas on the site, check out our Cheesy Garlic Stuffed Butternut Squash for another comforting favorite.

Ingredients & Prep Notes

Ingredient List

• 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes (or other small tomatoes)
• One block feta cheese (about 8 oz)
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 3‑4 cloves garlic, minced or whole (to pop)
• 1‑2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Your choice of pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli, etc.) cooked al dente
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparation Notes

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes — they break down more easily in the cooker.
• If your feta is brined, you may want to rinse or pat it to reduce saltiness.
• Don’t cook the pasta in the crockpot; cook it separately and stir it in near the end.
• If you skip cream cheese, the sauce may be less creamy — the feta alone can work, but may yield a tangier texture.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions

1. Build the Tomato‑Feta Base

1. Add cherry tomatoes to the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Place the block of feta cheese in the center.
3. Add cream cheese cubes (if using) around or on top of the feta.
4. Drizzle olive oil, and sprinkle garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper over the top.

2. Cook Until Melty

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until tomatoes burst and cheeses soften.

3. Stir & Combine with Pasta

1. Remove the lid and mash/blend the tomatoes and cheeses until sauce is smooth (use immersion blender or mash with spoon).
2. Add cooked pasta into the mixture and stir until well coated.
3. Cover again for a few minutes so pasta absorbs flavor.
4. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Tips, Variations & Serving Ideas

Smart Tips

• Stir gently to avoid tomato splashes when blending.
• If sauce looks thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 10–15 minutes to reduce.
• Adjust salt at the end — the feta and your brine might already contribute salt.

Variations to Try

• Add cooked chicken pieces for protein.
• Mix in spinach or kale just before serving.
• Use goat cheese or Boursin in place of cream cheese for a twist.
• Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Serving & Pairing

This pasta is rich, so pair it with something light like a green salad or simple steamed vegetables. Serve with garlic bread or a crisp baguette. It also works great as a vegetarian main for dinner parties.

Leftovers store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water or broth if sauce thickens. Pasta may absorb more sauce with time.

FAQ

Can I skip the cream cheese?

Yes — the dish will rely more on feta’s creaminess. It may be tangier and less smooth, but still delicious. Many slow cooker versions do this.

Why not cook pasta in the crockpot?

Because pasta can overcook or become mushy in a long cook. Cook it separately so you maintain texture.

Can I make it in the oven instead?

Yes — this is the idea behind baked feta pasta. You roast tomatoes and feta in the oven, then stir in pasta. But the slow cooker version gives convenience and a mellowed flavor.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Feta Pasta captures the viral TikTok magic with less effort. You get creamy tomato sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly coated pasta with minimal work. Try it for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever you want a comforting vegetarian meal.

Print