Creating this Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed delicious result:

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature is key for roasting the tomatoes and melting the feta to perfection. While the oven is preheating, select an oven-safe baking dish. A 9×13 inch baking dish or a similar sized casserole dish works perfectly. Make sure the dish is large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably without being too crowded.
2. Combine Tomatoes, Garlic, and Olive Oil in Baking Dish: Pour the cherry tomatoes into your prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute them across the bottom of the dish. Peel the garlic cloves. You can leave them whole for a milder garlic flavor that infuses the oil, or roughly chop them for a more pronounced garlic taste. Scatter the garlic cloves amongst the tomatoes. Drizzle the olive oil generously over the tomatoes and garlic. Ensure everything is well coated with the oil, as this will help with roasting and create a luscious sauce.
3. Season with Herbs, Spices, Salt, and Pepper: Sprinkle the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the tomatoes and garlic. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s crucial for bringing out the flavors of the vegetables and cheese. Toss everything gently to ensure the seasonings are distributed throughout.
4. Place Feta Block in the Center: Take your block of feta cheese and place it directly in the center of the baking dish, nestled amongst the tomatoes. There’s no need to crumble or cut the feta at this stage; it will melt beautifully as it bakes. The feta should be partially submerged in the tomatoes and oil.
5. Bake Until Tomatoes Burst and Feta Melts: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have burst and become softened and jammy. The feta cheese should be melted, softened, and slightly golden around the edges. The oil and tomato juices will have combined to create a vibrant sauce. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning. The tomatoes should be deeply roasted but not charred.
6. Cook Pasta According to Package Directions: While the tomatoes and feta are baking, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Cook it to al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water is essential for creating a creamy sauce.
7. Mash Feta and Tomatoes to Create Sauce: Once the baking dish is out of the oven, use a fork or a potato masher to gently mash the roasted tomatoes and feta cheese together in the baking dish. As you mash, the feta will break down and combine with the tomato juices and olive oil to create a creamy, luscious sauce. Continue mashing until you achieve your desired sauce consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or mash it until it’s smoother.
8. Add Cooked Pasta and Pasta Water to Sauce: Add the drained, cooked pasta directly to the baking dish with the tomato feta sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a little of the reserved pasta water, tossing as you go, until you reach your desired sauce consistency. The pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and creates a silky, clinging texture.
9. Garnish and Serve Immediately: Garnish the Baked Feta & Tomato Pasta with fresh basil leaves, if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is creamy and flavorful. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated.