Famous Feta Pasta

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2 -In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, add the tomatoes and the asparagus.

Step 3 -Add 1/3 cup of the olive oil, 2 cloves of the minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the salt to the tomato mixture and toss to combine.

Step 4 -Make a well in the center of the tomato mixture.

Step 5 -Add the feta cheese block to the well in the tomato mixture.

Step 6 -Drizzle the top of the feta with the remaining olive oil.

Step 7 -Sprinkle the top of the feta with the extra black pepper.

Step 8 -Bake until the tomatoes start to burst, about 30 minutes.

Step 9 -About halfway through the cooking time, in a pot of salted, boiling water, add the pasta and cook it to al dente, according to the package directions.

Step 10 -Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the remainder.

Step 11 -Transfer the tomato mixture from the oven and immediately add the remaining garlic and stir to combine.

Step 12 -Using a large spoon, mix the feta cheese into the tomato mixture until it is incorporated.

Step 13 -Add the pasta to the tomato mixture and stir to combine.

Step 14 -Add the reserved pasta water to the tomato mixture, as needed, until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 15 -Top with the parsley and serve.