Description
A simple and viral recipe featuring baked feta cheese and cherry tomatoes, perfect for a quick and delicious pasta dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 block (7-8 oz) feta cheese
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 ounces pasta (such as rigatoni, penne, or orecchiette)
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large oven-safe dish.
- Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the feta cheese.
- Drizzle olive oil generously over the feta and tomatoes.
- Sprinkle minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper over the ingredients.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and slightly browned.
- While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven.
- Use a fork to gently mash the roasted tomatoes and feta together in the dish, creating a sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the dish with the sauce.
- Toss to combine, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Any small pasta shape works well in this recipe.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired