Save 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 was inspired to try this upgraded feta pasta after tasting a version with caramelised onions abroad. Adding sun-dried tomatoes and basil made it a regular favorite in our kitchen.
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
- Prep Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange Dish:
- 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:
- 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:
- 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 in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta water, then drain.
- Combine:
- 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.
- Mix Pasta:
- 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:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save This dish brought the family together for a lively dinner last Sunday. Everyone reached for seconds and even the youngest found themselves loving the sweet caramelised onions mixed with the creamy sauce.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Notes
For extra flavor, add baby spinach or arugula before serving. Whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used. Pairs well with crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g
Save You'll love how this delicious baked feta pasta comes together in under an hour, perfect for sharing and impressing at mealtime.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Short pasta such as rigatoni, fusilli, or penne work best and absorb the creamy sauce well.
- → How do I caramelise onions perfectly?
Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes until they are soft and golden brown.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely. Substitute standard pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety for a similar texture and shape.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements the creamy feta and tangy tomatoes beautifully.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes—baby spinach or arugula stirred in at the end offers extra color and flavor.