# What You Need:
→ Fresh & Pantry
01 - 7 oz block feta cheese
02 - 1 can (14 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
03 - 14 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
06 - 1 tsp dried oregano
07 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
08 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
09 - 10.5 oz dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti) or 9 oz uncooked rice
10 - Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
11 - Lemon wedges (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F to prepare for baking.
02 - In a large baking dish, mix cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, garlic, and olive oil. Season with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
03 - Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish among the tomatoes and chickpeas, then drizzle a small amount of olive oil over it.
04 - Bake for 30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta turns golden and soft.
05 - While baking, prepare pasta or rice according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
06 - Once baked, gently mash the feta with a fork and stir it into the tomato and chickpea mixture to form a creamy sauce.
07 - Spoon the baked feta and chickpea mixture over the cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and add lemon wedges if desired.