Baked Feta Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 block (200g) feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 250g pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, arrange the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with cherry tomatoes. Scatter minced garlic over the tomatoes.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are burst and the feta is golden and softened.
5. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
6. Once the feta and tomatoes are done baking, remove from the oven and use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together until they form a creamy sauce.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish with the sauce and toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
9. Serve the Baked Feta Pasta hot and enjoy the delicious flavors!