Pin 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 baked feta pasta for a relaxed dinner with friends, and the addition of sun-dried tomatoes and caramelised onions made it a standout hit. It is now my go-to for effortless but impressive meals.
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
- Prep 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 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 the feta and season lightly with pepper
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the 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 according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta water, then drain
- Combine Ingredients:
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Add the caramelised onions and chopped basil to the baking dish. Stir everything together, breaking up the feta to create a creamy sauce
- Finish Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to the dish, tossing to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time for desired sauce consistency
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired
Pin When we made this for a weekend dinner, everyone scraped the dish clean, and even the kids loved the creamy sauce and bursts of sweet tomato flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. For sides, try a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Make It Your Own
Stir in baby spinach or arugula before serving for extra greens, or swap in whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to meet preferences.
Nutritional Info
Each serving contains approximately 480 calories, 20 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 16 g protein.
Pin Enjoy this easy, flavor-packed pasta for dinners that impress with minimal effort. Save leftovers for a quick next-day lunch.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! Fusilli, penne, rigatoni, or any short pasta works well and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
- → How do caramelised onions enhance the dish?
Caramelised onions add sweetness and depth, balancing the tangy feta and sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor profile.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free option for the same creamy, flavorful results.
- → What wines pair best with this meal?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements the tangy cheese and Mediterranean vegetables perfectly.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Toss in baby spinach or arugula just before serving for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
- → How do I adjust sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta water gradually when combining ingredients to reach your preferred creamy texture.
