Viral Baked Feta Pasta with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic & Fresh Basil

🛒 Ingredients

• 8 oz (225g) high-quality block Greek feta cheese in brine (drained)
• 2 pints (approx. 24 oz / 700g) ripe cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced or smashed
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 10 oz (280g) rigatoni, cavatappi, or penne rigate pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
• 1/4 cup reserved starchy pasta cooking water
• Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 2
   Step 2: In a 9x13-inch oven-safe baking dish, spread cherry tomatoes in an even layer. Place the whole block of Greek feta cheese right into the center of the dish.
3. 3
   Step 3: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the feta and tomatoes. Scatter minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and black pepper across the dish. Toss the tomatoes gently in the oil to ensure even coating.
4. 4
   Step 4: Bake uncovered for 35 minutes until the tomatoes have burst and blistered and the feta cheese is soft, bubbling, and golden on top. (Broil for the final 2 minutes for deeper roasted spots if desired).
5. 5
   Step 5: While the feta is baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water right before draining.
6. 6
   Step 6: Remove baking dish from the oven. Immediately use a fork or potato masher to mash the soft warm feta and burst cherry tomatoes together with the pan juices and roasted garlic into a velvety, creamy sauce.
7. 7
   Step 7: Add the drained hot pasta and fresh torn basil leaves directly into the baking dish. Toss vigorously to coat every piece of pasta, splashing in 2 to 4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy emulsion.
8. 8
   Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with cracked black pepper and fresh basil leaves, and serve warm directly from the baking dish!

🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)