Gluten Free Baked Feta Pasta – The TikTok Sensation

Directions

1. 1
   Preheat the oven to 400°F; oil a large baking dish. Using a large baking dish avoids overcrowding of the cherry tomatoes. (Give them room to pop open, which allows them to caramelize.)
2. 2
   Add the tomatoes to the prepared dish and drizzle the oil over them. (Too little oil results in dry pasta and too much results in a pool of grease.)
3. 3
   Add the block of feta cheese on top, in the center; bake for 40 minutes. (Try to avoid under-baking.) If the cheese is not thoroughly melted, you may place it under a broiler for up to 5 minutes. Make sure to keep it about 6 – 8 inches away from the heat element.
4. 4
   While the feta and tomato cooks, bring your water to a boil, add a splash of oil and the pasta; stir occasionally. Cook long enough to reach your desired tenderness, but realize that the pasta will continue to cook a little more once combined with the hot cheese and tomato mixture.
5. 5
   Drain the pasta, but reserve 1/2 cup of hot pasta water; rinse pasta with room temperature water; set both aside.
6. 6
   Once the cheese and tomatoes bake, add the pasta and pasta water; stir until creamy.
7. 7
   Garnish with basil or parsley and more cheese. Plate, add additional cheese if desired and serve immediately.