Baked Feta Pasta
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/a9d0a068-ca98-42f0-af81-ebc3cdd92802
Original source: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a35421563/baked-feta-pasta-tiktok/

After trying the viral TikTok trend, we came up with our own version of the baked feta pasta. Spoiler: Adding shallots is a game-changer.
Yield: 4 serving(s)
Prep time: PT10M
Cook time: PT0S
Total time: PT45M

Ingredients
- 1 shallot, quartered
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2 pt. cherry or grape tomatoes
- 1/2 c. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 (8-oz.) block feta
- 3 thyme sprigs
- 12 oz. short tubular pasta (such as macaroni or cavatappi)
- 1 lemon, zested (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Instructions
1. Arrange a rack in center of oven; preheat to 400°. In a large ovenproof skillet or medium baking dish, combine shallot, garlic, tomatoes, and all but 1 Tbsp. oil; season with salt and red pepper flakes and toss to combine.
2. Place feta into center of tomato mixture; drizzle with reserved 1 Tbsp. oil. Scatter thyme sprigs over tomatoes.
3. Bake sauce until tomatoes are bursting and feta is golden on top, 40 to 45 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
5. To sauce, add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and lemon zest (if using) and stir until combined. Top with basil.