Baked Feta Pasta

INGREDIENTS

• 2 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 shallot, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed 
• 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt
• Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 (8-oz.) block feta
• 3 sprigs 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 2

Place 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 3

Meanwhile, 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 4

To skillet with tomatoes and feta, add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon zest (if using) and stir until combined. Garnish with basil.