# Ingredient List:
→ Cheese & Dairy
01 - 7 oz feta cheese block
02 - 2 oz finely grated Parmesan cheese
→ Vegetables
03 - 1 lb cherry tomatoes, mixed colors preferred
04 - 3 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
06 - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
→ Pantry
07 - 12 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
08 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
09 - 1 tsp dried oregano
10 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Place feta block in the center of an oven-safe dish, arrange cherry tomatoes, garlic, and optional red onion around it.
03 - Drizzle olive oil evenly over feta and vegetables. Sprinkle oregano, red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper.
04 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta edges turn golden.
05 - Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
06 - Remove baking dish from oven. Mash feta and tomatoes gently with a large spoon until creamy and blended with garlic.
07 - Add hot pasta to the baking dish and toss with the creamy tomato mixture. Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky sauce.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh basil leaves.
