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 was inspired to upgrade the viral baked feta pasta after craving more layers of flavor. Caramelised onions and sun-dried tomatoes absolutely transform the sauce, and it's become a favorite for last-minute dinners when I want something delicious with minimal effort.
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 and Season:
- 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 with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Toss to combine.
- Add Feta:
- Place the feta block in the center, nestling it 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 the edges.
- Caramelise Onions:
- Meanwhile, heat skillet over medium. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and onions, cook, stirring, for 15–20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden brown. 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.
- Make Sauce:
- After baking, remove dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir and break up feta to make creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add cooked pasta, toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency. Serve garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save My family loves this with an extra sprinkle of basil and sometimes a side of crisp salad. It always disappears fast, especially when everyone's hungry after work and school.
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 ensure gluten-free, select your pasta and double-check sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 480 calories, 20 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein
Save This easy pasta makes weeknights simpler and tastier. The flavors only get better as you linger, so be sure to savor every bite!
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, short pasta varieties like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni all work well. Choose whole-wheat or gluten-free options as preferred.
- → How do caramelised onions elevate the dish?
Slow-cooked onions add sweet, deep flavor that balances the tangy feta and acidity of sun-dried tomatoes, enriching the overall taste.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Try substituting feta with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Adjust seasoning and bake until your cheese substitute melts and softens.
- → What wine pairs best with this meal?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complement the creamy textures and Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Cool leftovers and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I add greens to the pasta?
Yes, toss in baby spinach or arugula just before serving for extra freshness and flavor.