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 with my family after seeing it trend online. By adding caramelised onions and sun-dried tomatoes, it instantly became our favorite comfort meal.
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 dish:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Combine vegetables:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Season 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 dish among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over and season lightly with pepper. Bake for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden.
- Caramelise onions:
- While baking, heat a skillet over medium. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sliced onions. Cook for 15–20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook pasta:
- Boil pasta according to package in salted water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water, then drain.
- Finish sauce:
- Remove dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir everything, breaking up feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Mix with pasta and serve:
- Add cooked pasta to the dish. Toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency. Serve garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin My kids always ask for seconds whenever I make this pasta. Enjoying it together at the table has become a new weeknight tradition for us.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 20 g, Carbohydrates 56 g, Protein 16 g
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé for the perfect Mediterranean dinner.
Pin This upgraded baked feta pasta delivers cozy comfort in every bite. Fresh basil and slow-cooked onions truly make it irresistible.
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pasta is best?
Short shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work well to hold the creamy sauce and toppings.
- → How do I caramelise onions properly?
Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with olive oil, stirring occasionally until deep golden and sweet.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Feta creates tanginess, but creamy goat cheese or ricotta can be substituted for milder flavor profiles.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally vegetarian and suitable for a meat-free main course.
- → How do I adjust sauce thickness?
Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach your preferred consistency for a silky, cohesive sauce.
- → What wines pair best?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complement the salty feta and sweet onions beautifully.