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 loved introducing caramelised onions into the classic baked feta pasta. They bring a subtle sweetness, balancing out the tangy feta and sun-dried tomatoes. Every bowl feels restaurant-quality with minimal effort at home.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) dried short pasta (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 and roast vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large ovenproof baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Toss well.
- Add and season feta:
- Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish, nestling it among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over feta and season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise onions:
- While baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until onions are deeply caramelised and golden. Set aside.
- Cook pasta:
- As onions cook, prepare pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water, then drain pasta.
- Combine and finish sauce:
- Remove baking dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir everything together, breaking up feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Mix pasta and serve:
- Add cooked pasta to baking dish and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed for desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Save This recipe was a huge hit at my family dinner. My kids loved swirling their forks through cheesy sauce and bright tomatoes. It's now a requested weeknight dish!
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). For gluten-free, substitute gluten-free pasta and check labels on sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g
Save Garnish with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a vibrant finish. This pasta is sure to wow your family and guests every time!
Kitchen Q&A
- → Can I use a different cheese besides feta?
Feta gives a signature tangy flavor but you may substitute with firm goat cheese for a similar texture and creaminess.
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelised onions?
Cook sliced onions low and slow in olive oil, stirring frequently for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and sweet.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold sauce and bake evenly in the dish.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Replace regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free option for a meal suitable for wheat-free diets.
- → What wine pairs with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements the creaminess and tang of feta for a balanced pairing.
- → How do I adjust sauce thickness?
Gradually add reserved pasta water and stir until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.