Mediterranean Sun-Kissed Baked Feta Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 block feta cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup orzo pasta
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

1. 01
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. 02
   In a large baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center and surround it with the halved cherry tomatoes.
3. 03
   Sprinkle the minced garlic over the tomatoes and cheese. Drizzle with the olive oil, and season with dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
4. 04
   Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is golden and soft.
5. 05
   While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. 06
   Once the feta and tomatoes are done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork to mash the feta and tomatoes together, creating a creamy sauce.
7. 07
   Add the cooked orzo to the baking dish and mix everything together until the pasta is well coated with the feta-tomato sauce.
8. 08
   Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.