Pin 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 during a busy weeknight and immediately loved how the caramelised onions added a whole new level of depth. Mixing sweet and tangy with creamy sauce made this a repeat favorite at our table.
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 Vegetables:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add 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 feta block in center of baking dish among tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the feta and season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden.
- Caramelise Onions:
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta:
- While onions caramelise, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water and drain.
- Combine & Mix:
- After baking, remove dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir to combine, breaking up feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to dish, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time for sauce consistency.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin This became our Sunday night comfort dinner. The creamy sauce surprised everyone, and now we always pass extra basil around the table.
Pairings & Serving Ideas
Pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly chilled rosé. Try serving alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Tips for Success
Ensure onions are fully caramelised for sweetest flavor. Stir pasta quickly into sauce for best texture and consistency.
Nutrition Information
Each serving delivers about 480 calories, 20 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 16 g protein. All values are approximate.
Pin Stir gently to keep pasta shape intact. The caramelised onions and creamy feta sauce make this dish extra comforting for any night.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Feta works best for its tangy creaminess, but you can try soft goat cheese for a milder variation.
- → How do I achieve deeply caramelised onions?
Cook onions slowly over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and deeply browned, about 15–20 minutes.
- → Can gluten-free pasta be substituted?
Yes, any short gluten-free pasta will work well. Adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
It tastes best fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently, adding a splash of water if needed.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a simple roasted vegetable medley complement the flavors beautifully.
- → How can I add protein for a non-vegetarian version?
Shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked shrimp can be stirred in along with the pasta for added protein.