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.
The first time I made this baked feta pasta, I was amazed by how the caramelised onions transformed the sauce. It’s now my go-to recipe when I crave something rich yet easy for dinner. My friends always request this dish on pasta night!
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 & Preheat:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Assemble Baking Dish:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add 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:
- Place feta block in the center of the baking dish. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over feta and season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise Onions:
- Meanwhile, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and 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, then drain.
- Mix Sauce:
- After baking, remove dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir together, breaking up feta for a creamy sauce.
- Finish Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to baking dish, tossing to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed for sauce consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save This recipe became a weekend favorite for my family. We love gathering around the table, topping our bowls with extra basil, and chatting about our week while savoring the creamy pasta.
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
This baked feta pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. For extra flavor, add baby spinach or arugula just before serving.
Save Try this modern comfort pasta tonight for a fuss-free dinner. The creamy sauce and tangy feta will win you over instantly.
Common Questions
- → Can I use any pasta shape?
Yes, short shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best, but substitute with favorites as desired.
- → Is feta cheese the only option?
Feta delivers classic tang, but goat or ricotta could offer milder alternatives with different texture.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use your preferred gluten-free pasta and verify ingredients for cross-contamination.
- → How do I achieve perfect caramelised onions?
Cook sliced onions low and slow with olive oil, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and soft.
- → What wine pairs well with this?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complement the bright, creamy flavors beautifully.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, baby spinach or arugula stirred in before serving boosts nutrition and color.