Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a baking dish, combine 2 cups of cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with 1 each of salt and 1 each of black pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
3. Place an 8-ounce block of feta cheese in the center of the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the feta.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of bow-tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
6. Remove the baking dish from the oven and gently mash the feta and tomatoes with a fork, creating a creamy sauce. Add 1 each of minced garlic and stir to combine.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce needs loosening, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
8. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
9. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.