Ingredients
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces feta cheese block
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces short pasta
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Choose a baking dish that holds the tomatoes snugly so their juices concentrate as they roast.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the baking dish.
- Scatter the sliced garlic around the tomatoes.
- Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish.
- Drizzle the tomatoes and feta with extra virgin olive oil.
- Sprinkle with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Roast for 25 to 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst, release juices, and the feta softens but still holds its shape.
- Stir the mixture once halfway through roasting to encourage even softening and caramelization.
- While the tomatoes roast, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package directions.
- Reserve 1/4 to 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Stir the roasted tomatoes and feta together to create a creamy, vibrant sauce.
- Use the back of a spoon to gently break down the tomatoes.
- Toss the drained pasta into the sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce reaches a silky consistency.
- Fold in the torn fresh basil.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Use a solid block of full-fat feta for the creamiest sauce. Reserve pasta water before draining because the starch helps emulsify the sauce, and season carefully since feta is naturally salty.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
