Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the tomatoes and feta bake perfectly, giving them that beautiful roasted flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish

In a large baking dish (around 9×13 inches), add the cherry tomatoes, and toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together so that the tomatoes are evenly coated in the oil and seasoning.

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, surrounded by the seasoned tomatoes. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with a pinch of extra oregano and basil.

Step 3: Roast the Feta and Tomatoes

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the feta is soft and slightly browned on top, and the tomatoes have burst and become tender. You should start to smell the delicious aromas filling your kitchen!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the feta and tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes, until it’s just al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, as the pasta will continue cooking when mixed with the feta and tomatoes.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Mash the Feta and Tomatoes

Once the feta and tomatoes are done roasting, remove the baking dish from the oven. Use a fork or spoon to mash the feta cheese into the tomatoes, stirring to create a creamy sauce. The feta will easily break apart and mix with the roasted tomatoes, forming a rich, creamy base.

Step 6: Combine the Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly into the baking dish with the feta and tomato sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated with the creamy feta mixture. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the Baked Feta Pasta in bowls, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. This dish is perfect as-is, but you can also serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad to balance the richness of the feta.