Preheat your oven to 400˚F. This initial step ensures that the feta cheese and vegetables roast perfectly, creating that creamy texture and rich flavor. Make sure your oven is fully heated before placing your dish inside.
In a 9×13 casserole dish, combine the cherry tomatoes and asparagus. These vibrant vegetables create the base of your dish, and their flavors will meld beautifully. Add 1/3 cup of olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp salt. Toss everything to combine, making sure each piece of vegetable is coated in the olive oil.
Make a space in the center of the dish and place your 8 oz block of feta cheese there. This will be the heart of your dish, melting beautifully into the vegetables as they roast.
Drizzle the top of the feta with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle it with a touch more black pepper. This will enhance the flavors of the cheese and help it develop a nice crust as it bakes.
Bake everything in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. While it bakes, you’ll notice those tomatoes starting to burst, releasing their juices and mingling with the feta. This is the moment when the magic begins!
About halfway through the baking time, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve some cooking water before draining, as this can be added later to adjust the sauce consistency.
After 30 minutes, check your casserole. The tomatoes should have burst, and the cheese should be wonderfully melted. Remove the dish from the oven.
Add the remaining minced garlic and fresh parsley (or basil) directly into the casserole. This will give your dish a vibrant flavor boost.
Using a large spoon, press the feta into the olive oil and mix everything together until well combined. The creamy cheese will create a luscious sauce that envelops the vegetables.
Finally, stir in the drained cooked pasta. If you find the sauce too thick, add some of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Serve warm, and be careful with the tomatoes; those juicy centers can be quite hot!
