So tick tock, it’s close to dinnertime on a weekday and you have nothing planned for dinner. Solution? This easy Tik Tok sensation, the recipe for Pasta with Tomatoes and Feta. It was super easy to put together and delicious, with the tomatoes taking on a sun-dried tomato flavor and the feta melting into to a creamy sauce; the fresh basil and chopped garlic added a touch of brightness to the dish. I made half the amount called for, since it was just my husband and I. This recipe could be adapted to individual tastes with different spices and herbs added to suite your palate; I added some toasted pine nuts, which were just the right touch.

Tik Tok Feta Tomato Pasta Recipe

• 2 baskets cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
• 1 block of Feta Cheese (the kind that comes in water)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (about 1/4 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Pasta, 1/2 pound

These ingredients are tailored to a two-person dish, so I used a 9 x 9 inch pan, as opposed to the 9 x 13 inch called for. Also, I love the Heavenly Villagio Marzano tomatoes; although they’re a little pricey, they are worth it.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Generously oil the pan. You don’t want to skimp on the olive oil, thoroughly coat the bottom of the pan, so the tomatoes don’t stick. Slice cherry tomatoes in half and place, cut side down, into the oiled pan. Place a block of feta cheese in the middle (I used half) and sprinkle on seasonings, if desired. I sprinkled mine with some red pepper flakes.

Place in oven, uncovered, and bake for about 30 minutes, or until feta is creamy.

In the meantime, boil your pasta water. Also chop your basil and garlic.

*A note here about the garlic, I guess you were supposed to bake the garlic with the tomatoes, but I liked the raw garlic tossed with the pasta, for a fresh taste and the pasta kind of cooked the garlic, so it wasn’t too strong.

The pasta type to use for this sauce is one with room in the middle (like penne or rigatoni) for the yummy sauce to fill, but honestly, any pasta would do.

Follow directions for boiling pasta and IMPORTANT! save some pasta water from the pot (after pasta is boiled), about 1 cup. Drain. Do not rinse the pasta.

Remove the pan from the oven, scrape up the tomatoes from the bottom and blend with the feta. Add the garlic and basil and stir. Then add the pasta water, to form a creamy sauce.

Add drained pasta to the pan with tomatoes and feta and enjoy.

This dish is easy enough to cook on a busy weeknight and luckily, the ingredients are probably ones you already have at home. I like Trader Joe’s feta cheese for this one.

Up Next: Easy Sauce for Smoked Pulled Pork.