Viral Feta Pasta!

Ingredients

• 200 g Penne Pasta (dry penne, cooked al dente)
• 250 g Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
• 200 g Feta Cheese (full‑fat block, kept whole until baking)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 0.5 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
• 1 handful Fresh Basil Leaves (torn)
• to taste Salt (sea salt)
• to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

   Set oven to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat while you prepare the other ingredients.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 400°F

2. Boil Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the penne and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

   Time: PT12M

   Temperature: boiling

3. Prep Tomatoes and Garlic

   While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic.

   Time: PT5M

4. Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish

   In an oven‑safe baking dish, place the block of feta in the center, scatter the halved tomatoes around it, drizzle olive oil over everything, and sprinkle minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

   Time: PT5M

5. Bake Feta and Tomatoes

   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and golden.

   Time: PT30M

   Temperature: 400°F

6. Mix Sauce

   Remove the dish from the oven, stir the softened feta and tomatoes together until a creamy sauce forms. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.

   Time: PT3M

7. Toss Pasta

   Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to coat evenly, and stir in torn basil leaves. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.

   Time: PT3M

8. Plate and Serve

   Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra basil or a drizzle of olive oil.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

460

Protein

15g

Carbohydrates

55g

Fat

18g

Fiber

3g