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 this upgraded baked feta pasta on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying. The caramelised onions bring surprising sweetness, and mixing in sun-dried tomatoes pushes this far beyond the original viral 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
- Oven prep:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Bake feta and tomatoes:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Toss to combine. Place the feta block in the center, drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the feta, and season lightly with pepper. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise onions:
- 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 in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta water, then drain.
- Make sauce:
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil to the baking dish. Stir together, breaking up the feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Add cooked pasta to the dish, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water if needed for sauce consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin it My family loves this recipe – everyone gets involved tossing the pasta, and it always disappears fast. The aroma as everything bakes together smells like pure comfort.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, Large pot for boiling pasta, Skillet, Knife and chopping board, Wooden spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g (per serving)
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. Add baby spinach or arugula just before serving for extra flavor.
Pin it This pasta brings together creamy feta and sweet caramelised onions in every bite. Enjoy as an effortless centerpiece for any weeknight dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short dried pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni is ideal, as these shapes hold the creamy feta sauce well.
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of feta?
While feta provides a tangy creaminess, ricotta or soft goat cheese can be substituted for a different flavor profile.
- → How should onions be caramelised?
Slowly cook sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until deeply golden.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply replace traditional pasta with your preferred gluten-free variety to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What wine pairs well with this pasta?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complement the tanginess and richness of the feta and onion flavors.
- → Can I add greens to the dish?
Baby spinach or arugula tossed in just before serving adds freshness and a nutritional boost to the meal.