Ingredients:

  • 7 oz block Feta Cheese (brine-packed preferred)
  • 1 pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 4 large cloves Garlic, thinly sliced or smashed
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
  • Sea Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
  • 12 oz Short Pasta Shape (Penne, Fusilli, Orecchiette)
  • 2 tablespoons Salt (for pasta water)
  • 1/2 cup packed Fresh Basil Leaves, roughly chopped or torn

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes (if using) into the baking dish. Drizzle generously with half of the olive oil (1/4 cup). Toss gently to coat the tomatoes.
  3. Create a space in the center of the tomatoes and place the block of feta cheese directly in the empty spot.
  4. Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil over the block of feta. Sprinkle the top of the feta with a pinch of black pepper.
  5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have completely burst and softened, and the feta cheese is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  6. While the sauce is baking (about 15 minutes in), bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, aiming for a firm al dente.
  7. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup (240 ml) of the starchy pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta well.
  8. Once the baking dish is out of the oven, use a wooden spoon or spatula to vigorously mash the hot tomatoes and the soft feta together, stirring until they form a smooth, chunky sauce.
  9. Add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat.
  10. Adjust the Consistency: Add the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, continuing to toss until the sauce coats the pasta beautifully and achieves a creamy, emulsified texture.
  11. Stir in most of the fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining fresh basil.