1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a baking dish, place the block of feta in the center and surround it with the cherry tomatoes.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the feta and tomatoes, then sprinkle the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper over everything.
3. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and lightly golden.
4. While the feta and tomatoes bake, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
5. Once the feta and tomatoes are baked, remove from the oven and use a fork to mash and mix them together into a creamy sauce.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the dish, tossing everything to combine. If needed, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
7. Finish with fresh basil and lemon zest before serving.

Don’t rush the mashing process; let it be a moment of zen as you blend the flavors together. It’s these little steps that make the dish feel homemade and personal.