Baked Feta with Cherry Tomatoes for 4

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the block of feta in the center of a 9-inch oven-safe baking dish.
2. Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes and smashed garlic cloves. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the cheese and tomatoes.
3. Sprinkle red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper over the top, then nestle the thyme sprigs into the oil.
4. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the cherry tomatoes have blistered and burst and the feta has softened with golden edges.
5. While roasting, cook the whole grain pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water.
6. Remove the baking dish from the oven and use a fork or whisk to smash the softened feta, stirring it into the roasted tomatoes and garlic until a smooth sauce forms.
7. Toss the cooked pasta directly into the baking dish and stir vigorously to coat the pasta in the sauce. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.