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 served this after discovering how much a bit of caramelised onion and sun-dried tomato transformed the classic baked feta pasta—my family went back for seconds and even requested leftovers for lunch. The rich Mediterranean vibe was a definite hit.
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 base:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large ovenproof baking dish, combine 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 and bake:
- Place the feta block in the center, nestling among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the feta and season lightly with pepper. Bake for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden.
- Caramelise onions:
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and onions. Cook, stirring, 15–20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden. Set aside.
- Cook pasta:
- While onions caramelise, cook pasta al dente per package instructions. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water; drain.
- Finish sauce:
- Remove baking dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir everything, breaking up feta for a creamy sauce.
- Combine and serve:
- Add pasta and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed for a creamy consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin It My kids always get excited when this comes out of the oven, and there's something about the bubbling cheese and sweet onions that makes dinner feel special even midweek.
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). To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Double-check sun-dried tomatoes for potential cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g
Pin It This recipe transforms baked feta pasta into something truly memorable—don't skip the caramelised onions for unmistakable depth. Enjoy with a crisp salad and a glass of wine for the perfect meal.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work well. Whole-wheat or gluten-free versions can also be used.
- → How do I achieve perfect caramelised onions?
Cook onions slowly over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until deeply golden and sweet.
- → Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce's creaminess and bind ingredients smoothly together.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Baby spinach or arugula can be stirred in before serving for extra flavor and freshness.
- → What pairs best as a beverage?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé accentuates the tangy and creamy flavors beautifully.