Preheat and Prep the Sauce
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the cherry tomatoes in an oven-safe baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, and lemon zest. Toss everything together to coat evenly.
Add the Feta
Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and sprinkle with pepper. Avoid adding extra salt at this stage, as the feta provides plenty of saltiness.
Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the cherry tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft, golden, and melty.
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is baking, cook your orecchiette (or preferred pasta) according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water.
Combine
Remove the baked feta and tomatoes from the oven. Add the chopped basil and gently stir to create a creamy sauce. Toss in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water until fully combined and coated in the sauce.
Serve
Garnish with more fresh basil and serve immediately. Enjoy this flavorful, creamy dish straight out of the oven!