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Preheating the oven is a crucial step in the cooking process, particularly for dishes like the Feta Tomato Basil Pasta Bake. Setting your oven to the correct temperature ensures even cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while preventing unevenly cooked pasta or under-roasted vegetables. For this recipe, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the tomatoes and feta, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating a deliciously creamy texture.

Feta Tomato Basil Pasta Bake

Discover the comforting and flavorful Feta Tomato Basil Pasta Bake, a perfect blend of creamy feta, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil enveloped in tender pasta. This easy-to-make recipe is ideal for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, providing a delightful meal for all. Versatile enough to adapt to dietary preferences, it also invites your creativity. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this dish will surely become a favorite at your table.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or rigatoni works well)

1 block (8 oz) feta cheese

3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare the Bake Dish: In a large baking dish (about 9x13 inches), add the halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Toss until the tomatoes are well coated.

        Add Feta: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish, ensuring it's surrounded by the tomatoes and spices.

          Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, until the tomatoes are blistered and the feta is soft and slightly golden.

            Combine with Pasta: Remove the baking dish from the oven and stir the roasted tomatoes and feta together, breaking the feta into chunks. Then, add the cooked pasta and fresh basil to the dish. Toss everything together until well combined.

              Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top of the pasta bake. If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top.

                Final Bake: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                  Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh basil if desired, and serve warm.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6