Baked Feta Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1⁄2 C olive oil
• 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt
• 1⁄2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 8-oz. block feta cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1⁄4 C fresh basil, chopped
• 8 oz. pasta

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. In a large baking dish, combine tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
3. Place block of feta in center of dish, turning to coat with oil and spices.
4. Bake uncovered for 35 minutes. Add minced garlic and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until feta is brown and tomatoes have burst.
5. While dish is baking, cook pasta to directions. Reserve 1⁄4 cup of pasta water when draining.
6. Remove dish from oven, stir in basil. Stir in pasta. Add pasta water to thin the dish, if you wish. Top with more fresh basil and serve.

Notes

• You can add a chopped shallot prior to baking or, if you like it hot, add a bunch of red pepper flakes. Add the garlic before baking to reduce its bite. Thyme is nice on this dish as well.