This is the story about another viral
TikTok trend that I kinda wanted to hate…but didn’t. It’s not that I didn’t think the idea sounded delicious, it’s just that the whole thing seemed too simple. Obviously roasting a block of feta with bursting tomatoes is going to be amazing, but is it good enough to break the internet? The answer: yes…simply, yes. With roasted tomatoes and sharp, tangy feta, this baked pasta dish is undeniably delicious. But, the real beauty of this dish is its simplicity and versatility. It couldn’t be easier to make—the recipe itself is practically hands-off. Plus, you can really use the classic recipe as a jumping off point (like we did here) to make your ideal pasta dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pt.cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1shallot, quartered
- 3cloves garlic, smashed
- 1/2 c.extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt
- Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- 1(8-oz.) block feta
- 3sprigs fresh thyme
- 10 oz.pasta
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
-
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°. In a large ovenproof skillet or medium baking dish, combine tomatoes, shallot, garlic, and all but 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and red pepper flakes and toss to combine.
- Step 2Place feta into center of tomato mixture and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Scatter thyme sprigs over tomatoes. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden on top.
- Step 3Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 4To skillet with tomatoes and feta, add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon zest (if using) and stir until combined. Garnish with basil.
- Step 1
