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 tried adding caramelised onions to classic baked feta pasta after running short of cherry tomatoes. The result was a dish with new depth and sweetness that my family instantly loved.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare 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, nestling among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the feta and season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at edges.
- Caramelise Onions:
- While baking, heat 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:
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water, then drain.
- Combine:
- Remove baking dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir, breaking up feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Mix Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water for creamy consistency as needed.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil.
Save This updated baked feta pasta is always a crowd-pleaser in our family, especially when we all gather for weeknight dinners and share laughter over generous servings.
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
Save Elevate your next pasta night with this flavorful twist, sure to become a new weeknight favorite.
Kitchen Questions
- → Can I substitute another cheese for feta?
Feta provides a tangy, salty flavor, but goat cheese or ricotta can offer a creamy texture as alternatives.
- → What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni trap the sauce well and hold up to baking and stirring.
- → How do I achieve perfect caramelised onions?
Cook sliced onions low and slow with olive oil, stirring often, until they become deeply golden and sweet.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs, and check sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination.
- → How do I adjust sauce consistency?
Reserved pasta water can be added gradually after tossing to reach your preferred sauce thickness.
- → What are ideal wine pairings for this meal?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complement the tangy cheese and tomatoes beautifully.