1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, place the block of feta cheese in the center of a large baking dish.
2. Surround the feta with cherry tomatoes. Drizzle everything generously with olive oil, ensuring the feta and tomatoes are well-coated.
3. Sprinkle the oregano, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic evenly over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
5. While the feta and tomatoes are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the rest.
6. Once the feta and tomatoes are ready, remove the dish from the oven. Stir the mixture, gently breaking up the feta and combining it with the tomatoes to create a creamy sauce.
7. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese, if using.

This step-by-step process is a testament to the simplicity and joy of cooking, reminiscent of the days spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. Each step brings you closer to a dish that’s comforting and filled with flavor, much like the meals that filled our family table.