Mediterranean Baked Feta and Olive Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 block feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• to taste salt and pepper
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped

Method

1. 01
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center. Surround it with halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives.
3. 03
   Drizzle olive oil over the feta, tomatoes, and olives. Sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper evenly across the dish.
4. 04
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and golden.
5. 05
   While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
6. 06
   Remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and mix it with the roasted tomatoes and olives, creating a creamy sauce.
7. 07
   Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing it gently to coat it with the feta and tomato mixture. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.
8. 08
   Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.