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 at a friend's dinner party and was amazed by how simple ingredients could produce such luxurious flavor. Adding caramelised onions and sun-dried tomatoes makes this dish even more special for busy family nights.
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 and preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange vegetables:
- 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 according to package instructions in salted boiling water 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.
- Toss with 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.
Pin it Sharing this pasta with my family always brings excitement as everyone loves the unique flavors. Even picky eaters end up asking for seconds!
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 beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. Add a salad with baby spinach or arugula for freshness.
Pin it This easy, flavor-packed pasta is sure to make any dinner special. Enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth feta and tangy tomatoes with every bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I substitute another cheese for feta?
Feta adds tang and creaminess, but goat cheese or ricotta can work. Texture and flavor will differ slightly.
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelised onions?
Cook onions on medium heat, stirring occasionally for at least 15 minutes until deeply golden and sweet.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and double-check ingredient labels for potential cross-contamination.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Spinach, arugula, or bell peppers can be added for additional flavor and nutrients before serving.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complement the creamy feta and vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can caramelise onions and bake feta mixture earlier, then finish just before eating.