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.
The first time I made this upgraded baked feta pasta, my family was blown away by the sweet onions mingling with the tangy feta and juicy tomatoes. Now it's on regular rotation whenever we need something special but simple.
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 Oven & Dish:
- Preheat the 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 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 feta and season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise Onions:
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta:
- While onions caramelise, cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water, then drain.
- Combine & Finish Sauce:
- Remove baked dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil to the baking dish. Stir together, breaking up feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Mix Pasta & Serve:
- Add cooked pasta to the dish, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin It One meal and the whole table is silent except for second helpings. Everyone agrees it's a keeper, especially when those tangy bites appear on weeknights.
Preparation & Nutrition
Prep time is 15 minutes, cook time is 35 minutes, and you'll have dinner ready in under an hour. Each serving is about 480 calories, 20 g fat, 56 g carbs, and 16 g protein.
Serving Ideas
This pasta pairs beautifully with a green salad or crisp Sauvignon Blanc. You can also toss in greens like baby spinach or arugula right before serving.
Tools Needed
You will need a large ovenproof baking dish, skillet, pot, knife, chopping board, and a wooden spoon for stirring.
Pin It Finish with plenty of fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil for a Mediterranean touch. Enjoy the tang and creaminess in every bite!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve deeply caramelised onions?
Cook onions slowly in olive oil over medium heat, stirring often for 15–20 minutes until golden and jammy.
- → Can I substitute whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta?
Yes, whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta can replace traditional dried pasta for dietary preferences or needs.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are ideal for holding the creamy feta sauce and seasonings.
- → How do I adjust sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta water slowly until the feta and vegetable mixture reaches your preferred creaminess.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements the tangy feta and sweet onions beautifully.
- → Can I add greens for extra color?
Absolutely—stir in baby spinach or arugula just before serving for freshness and added texture.