Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Roast the Tomatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the halved cherry or grape tomatoes on the sheet and drizzle them with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and black pepper, then roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tomatoes are softened, blistered, and slightly caramelized. The roasting process brings out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness, intensifying their flavor.

While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the feta. If you’re using a block of feta, drizzle it with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Set it aside, and once the tomatoes have roasted for about 10 minutes, place the feta in the oven next to the tomatoes for an additional 10 minutes, until it softens and begins to turn golden brown.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the tomatoes and feta are in the oven, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, as the starchy water will help thicken and bind the sauce later.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain and set it aside, keeping it warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Lamb and Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes aromatic and golden.

Next, add the ground lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lamb is browned and cooked through. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta with the Lamb

Once the lamb is fully cooked, add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the lamb. If the mixture seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Once combined, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

By now, your tomatoes and feta should be ready. Remove the roasted tomatoes from the oven and gently stir them into the pasta. Then, carefully crumble or slice the baked feta and add it to the pasta as well. The feta should be soft and creamy, so it will naturally melt into the pasta, creating a luxurious, tangy sauce. Toss everything together until the feta is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while the dish is warm, and enjoy the combination of savory lamb, creamy feta, sweet tomatoes, and the fragrant, aromatic spices.