Baked Feta Pasta
The original TikTok sensation: a block of feta baked with cherry tomatoes and olive oil until soft and blistered, then mashed into a creamy sauce and tossed with pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 8 oz block feta cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, cracked
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
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1
Preheat the oven to 400F.
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2
In a large baking dish, combine 2 pints cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper. Toss to coat.
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3
Nestle the 8 oz block feta cheese into the center of the tomatoes and spoon a little of the oil over the top.
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4
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and lightly golden on top.
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5
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the 1 lb penne pasta until al dente, according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
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6
Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together into a smooth, creamy sauce.
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7
Add the cooked penne pasta to the baking dish and toss to combine, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
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8
Stir in the 1/2 cup torn fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.