Baked Queso Fresco Pasta

The Baked Queso Fresco Pasta is a unique and innovative way of making dinner. Put the sauce ingredients in a baking dish and let the oven do the magic.Mash it when it’s done and you’ll get a perfect sauce to mix with your favorite pasta al dente. You can use Tropical Queso Fresco Mexicano or Queso Centroamericano.

The Baked Feta Pasta became a sensation on social media, and there’s no doubt why! It’s easy, delicious, and fast to make. The cheese and tomato transition from solid to pasta sauce into the oven. This recipe uses Tropical Queso Fresco, which will soften in the oven and crumble seamlessly when mixed with the pasta. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 pints (17 1/2 oz / 500 grams) cherry or grape tomatoes
• 4 cloves garlic, halved lengthwise
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 block of 12 oz Tropical Queso Fresco
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 12 ounces medium-length dried pasta, such as campanelle, rigatoni or rotini
• Fresh basil leaves, for serving

Preparation

1. Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees.
2. In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, combine the tomatoes, garlic and 1/4 cup of the olive oil. Sprinkle with some salt and toss to coat. Place the Queso Fresco in the center of the tomatoes and garlic, top with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle the entire dish with red pepper flakes and a little black pepper. Bake for about 40 minutes, until the garlic has softened and the tomatoes have burst their skins.
3. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
4. Mash the Queso Fresco and tomatoes with a fork and mix until evenly combined. Mix the sauce with pasta, adding the reserved pasta water as needed if it looks a little dry. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if desired. To serve, divide among bowls and top with plenty of basil leaves.