Zesty Lemon-Basil Feta Pasta Bake with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta
• 1 block feta cheese
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon zest and juice
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• to taste salt and pepper

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.
3. 03
   Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and sliced sun-dried tomatoes around the feta.
4. 04
   Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then sprinkle with minced garlic, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
5. 05
   Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, until the tomatoes are bursting and the feta is golden and soft.
6. 06
   Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
7. 07
   Remove the baking dish from the oven and immediately add the cooked pasta, lemon juice, and torn basil leaves.
8. 08
   Gently mix everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
9. 09
   Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
10. 10
    Serve warm, garnished with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.