Baked Feta Pasta

• •2 pint cherry tomatoes
• •8 oz feta cheese block
• •0.3 cup olive oil, extra virgin
• •6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed or roughly chopped
• •1 teaspoon dried oregano
• •0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• •0.5 teaspoon salt
• •0.3 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• •12 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or farfalle)
• •0.3 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

1. 1

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

2. 2

   Place the cherry tomatoes in a 9x13 inch (or similar size) baking dish. Drizzle about 1/4 cup of the olive oil over the tomatoes. Add the smashed garlic cloves, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.

3. 3

   Create a space in the center of the tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese directly in the middle. Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the feta.

4. 4

   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and are jammy, and the feta is soft, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.

5. 5

   While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

6. 6

   Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Using a fork or spoon, mash the feta cheese and burst tomatoes together until a creamy sauce forms. Stir everything together, ensuring the garlic is incorporated.

7. 7

   Add the cooked and drained pasta to the baking dish. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the feta-tomato sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

8. 8

   Stir in the fresh chopped basil. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Chef's Tips

• 💡For an extra depth of flavor, you can roast the tomatoes and feta with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme alongside the oregano.
• 💡Don't skip the reserved pasta water! It's starchy and helps emulsify the sauce, making it extra creamy.
• 💡If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
• 💡Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers or onions to the baking dish along with the tomatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
• 💡While a block of feta is traditional, crumbled feta can also be used, though it might melt and incorporate into the sauce a bit differently.