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Feta Tomato Pasta Bake - Easy, Comforting, and Full of Flavor

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Feta cheese block (about 7–8 oz; choose a block, not crumbled)
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes (about 2 pints or 4 cups)
  • Pasta (12–16 oz; short shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best)
  • Olive oil (extra-virgin preferred)
  • Garlic (3–4 cloves, sliced or minced)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil (a handful, torn)
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Lemon zest or juice (optional but brightens the dish)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional for finishing)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Choose a medium baking dish that can hold the tomatoes snugly in a single layer.
  2. Prep the tomatoes. Add cherry tomatoes to the dish. Toss with 2–3 tablespoons olive oil, garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Nestle the feta in the center. Place the whole block of feta in the middle, drizzle with another tablespoon of olive oil, and season with a bit of pepper. Don’t oversalt; feta is already salty.
  4. Roast until jammy. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and are lightly caramelized, and the feta is soft and golden at the edges.
  5. Cook the pasta. While the dish bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just shy of al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  6. Stir the sauce. Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a spoon to mash the feta and tomatoes together into a creamy sauce. Add a splash of pasta water to loosen if it looks too thick.
  7. Combine with pasta. Add the hot pasta to the baking dish and toss until every piece is coated. Add more pasta water as needed to reach a silky consistency.
  8. Finish with freshness. Stir in torn basil and a little lemon zest or juice. Taste and adjust seasoning. If you like, sprinkle with Parmesan for extra savory depth.
  9. Serve immediately. Spoon into bowls and enjoy while it’s warm and creamy.