Inspired by the recipe that's so popular it created a feta shortage in Finland! Baked Feta Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes is a simple yet an incredibly delicious meatless pasta dish. In it, Cherry tomatoes and a block of feta cheese are baked and mixed with fresh garlic, hot cooked pasta and fresh basil for a luxurious cream dish. This is a pasta dish anyone can make as it’s pretty much effortless and foolproof.
In an oven safe baking dish, add tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the onion powder, chili flakes and a pinch of kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper. Toss well to combine.
Place the block of feta in the middle of the dish, surrounded by the tomatoes. Drizzle the feta with a little more olive oil and season with a small pinch of kosher salt and more black pepper.
Bake on the middle rack for 35 minutes or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is browned aroudn the edges.
Meanwhile bring a medium pot of water to a boil. When there is 10 to 12 mintues left on your timer, add in the sea salt and pasta. Follow the package directions, cooking your pasta to al dente.
Once baked, use oven mitts to transfer the baking dish from the oven and to a trivet. Immediately add in the minced garlic. Stir, smashing the tomatoes and mixing everything in with the feta.
Next add the drained cooked pasta and chopped fresh basil. Stir until combined.
Serve with grated parmesan cheese and crusty bread.