Cream Cheese “TikTok Pasta” (Feta-Free Version!)

All the creamy, garlicky goodness of viral baked feta pasta—but with cream cheese instead! This version is milder, family-friendly, and packed with juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and flavorful herbs. Even picky eaters (like your 1.5-year-old!) will love it.

Why You’ll Love This

No feta needed – Cream cheese makes it rich and creamy without the tang
One-pan wonder – Easy prep, minimal cleanup
Kid-approved – Mild but flavorful (adjust spice to taste)
Customizable – Swap chicken for shrimp, add spinach, etc.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep & Bake

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine tomatoes, chicken, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper, and salt. Toss to coat.
3. Place cream cheese block in the center of the dish.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until chicken is cooked and tomatoes burst.

2. Cook Pasta

5. While baking, cook pasta al dente (reserve ½ cup pasta water).

3. Mix & Serve

6. Remove dish from oven. Mash cream cheese and tomatoes with a fork.
7. Stir in cooked pasta and parsley, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.
8. Garnish with extra parsley and black pepper.

Pro Tips

Extra creamy? Use whipped cream cheese for easier mixing.
More veggies? Add spinach or roasted bell peppers last minute.
Make ahead? Assemble (unbaked) and refrigerate up to 24 hours.

Variations

• Garlic butter shrimp: Swap chicken for 1 lb shrimp (add last 10 mins of baking).
• Veggie-loaded: Add zucchini or mushrooms before baking.
• Spicy version: Double the crushed red pepper or add hot honey drizzle.

FAQ

Can I use feta instead?
Yes! Replace cream cheese with 8 oz feta + ¼ cup heavy cream for a classic TikTok version.

Too thick?
Stir in more pasta water or milk until saucy.

Storage?
Fridge: 3 days (reheat with a splash of milk). Freeze: 1 month (without pasta).

Final Thoughts

This creamy, cozy pasta is proof that viral recipes can be tweaked to fit your tastes—and still be insanely delicious. The cream cheese makes it ultra-rich, while the baked tomatoes and chicken add depth.

More Easy TikTok Recipes to Try:

• 4-Ingredient Heath Toffee Cookies – A sweet and crunchy treat that’s ready in no time!
• Fruity Pebbles Cookies – Fun, colorful, and perfect for dessert lovers.
• TikTok Baked Feta Pasta
• TikTok Potato Bake

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