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 first made baked feta pasta on a busy evening, and the addition of caramelised onions and sun-dried tomatoes quickly became a favorite tweak in my home. The savory sweetness and intense flavor set it apart from the classic version.
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 and Vegetables:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). 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 it and season lightly with pepper. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise Onions:
- Meanwhile, in a skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil and the sliced onions. Cook, stirring, for 15–20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta:
- While onions caramelise, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water. Drain pasta.
- Make Sauce and Combine:
- Remove baking dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir, breaking up feta to make creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add cooked pasta to the dish, toss to coat, and add reserved pasta water for desired consistency. Garnish with basil and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
Save My family loves this version with caramelised onions, especially on nights when we want something easy yet delicious. Even picky eaters come back for seconds!
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
This dish contains milk (feta cheese) and wheat (pasta). To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and double-check sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480. Total Fat: 20 g. Carbohydrates: 56 g. Protein: 16 g.
Save For the perfect finish, serve hot and garnish with fresh basil. This baked feta pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Chardonnay or a simple green salad.
Kitchen Help
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce well and offer the best texture.
- → Can I substitute another cheese?
Feta provides tangy flavor, but goat cheese or ricotta would offer a similar creamy base with different notes.
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelised onions?
Low to medium heat and frequent stirring slowly transform sliced onions golden brown and sweet, about 15–20 minutes.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian. Be sure to use vegetarian feta if strict dietary needs apply.
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely. Select your preferred gluten-free pasta shape and cook until al dente for best texture.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor?
Fresh basil adds brightness, while dried oregano brings Mediterranean depth to the dish.