Baked Feta Pasta

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)
• Zest of 1 lemon (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.