Baked Feta Mac and Cheese

Steps

1. 1

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

2. 2

   In a large 9x13 inch baking dish, place the block of feta cheese in the center.

3. 3

   Add the uncooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic around the feta block.

4. 4

   Drizzle the olive oil over everything and season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

5. 5

   Pour the water (or vegetable broth) into the dish, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged.

6. 6

   Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam, which will cook the pasta.

7. 7

   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the tomatoes have burst.

   Start 30-minute timer
8. 8

   Remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil.

9. 9

   Add the fresh spinach to the hot dish; the residual heat will wilt it as you stir.

10. 10

    Stir everything together vigorously until the feta becomes creamy and forms a smooth sauce that coats the pasta and spinach.

11. 11

    Serve immediately while hot.