Mediterranean Olive and Feta Burst Tomato Pasta

Ingredients

• 12 ounces cherry tomatoes
• 8 ounces feta cheese block
• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 12 ounces pasta, cooked and drained
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• to taste salt and pepper

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   In a large baking dish, place the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, halved olives, and dried oregano. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to combine.
3. 03
   Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta.
4. 04
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and creamy.
5. 05
   While the tomato and feta bake, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
6. 06
   Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir the feta and tomato mixture until well combined and creamy.
7. 07
   Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the baking dish. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
8. 08
   Stir in the fresh basil leaves, adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, and serve immediately for that perfect cheese pull moment.