Pin it A creamy, tangy baked feta pasta elevated with sweet caramelised onions and rich sun-dried tomatoes. This modern twist delivers deep flavor and irresistible texture, perfect for an easy weeknight meal.
I first tried baked feta pasta on a busy weeknight, and this upgraded version with caramelised onions quickly became a regular in my dinner rotation. The rich, creamy sauce comes together with minimal effort and always impresses my family.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) dried short pasta (e.g., fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
- Cheese: 200 g (7 oz) block feta cheese
- Vegetables: 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced; 200 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved; 80 g (1/2 cup) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced; 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for serving)
- Pantry: 3 tbsp olive oil (divided); 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare oven and vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large ovenproof baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss to combine.
- Add feta and bake:
- Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the feta and season lightly with pepper. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise onions:
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook pasta:
- While the onions caramelise, cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine and serve:
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Add the caramelised onions and chopped basil to the baking dish. Stir everything together, breaking up the feta to create a creamy sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the dish, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time for desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin it This dish quickly became my family's go-to for cozy dinners, with everyone crowding around the table for seconds. The combination of creamy feta and sweet onions makes it truly special.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta cheese) and wheat (pasta). To make gluten free, use gluten free pasta. Double check sun dried tomatoes for potential cross contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g
Pin it Enjoy this flavorful Mediterranean pasta on busy weeknights or for laid-back gatherings. A drizzle of olive oil and extra basil is all it needs to shine.
Common Questions
- → Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, fusilli, penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works well. Whole-wheat or gluten-free options are also suitable.
- → How do I achieve perfect caramelised onions?
Cook onions over medium heat with olive oil, stirring occasionally for 15–20 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, this pasta is naturally vegetarian, emphasizing feta cheese and a variety of flavorful vegetables.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely! Try a handful of spinach or arugula just before serving for added freshness and nutrition.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements the creamy, tangy flavors beautifully.
- → How do I adjust sauce consistency?
Reserve some pasta water and stir it in gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred texture.