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 made this upgraded feta pasta version for my family after discovering the difference caramelised onions make: the sweet complexity transforms the creamy sauce and everyone asked for seconds that 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 & Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Tomato Mixture:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add the 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.
- Arrange 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:
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15–20 minutes until caramelised and golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta:
- 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 & Sauce:
- After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Add the caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir everything together, breaking up the feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Finish:
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired sauce consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin One evening, my daughter helped stir in the onions and the simple act of mixing everything together became our favorite kitchen bonding moment.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately 480 calories, 20 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 16 g protein.
Dietary Info
Vegetarian; for gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta, and check sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination.
Pin If you have leftovers, they reheat beautifully. This dish will become a staple for simple yet impressive dinners.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, short pastas like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work well, but whole-wheat or gluten-free varieties are also suitable.
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelised onions?
Cook sliced onions low and slow in olive oil, stirring regularly for 15–20 minutes until deeply golden brown.
- → Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
Try creamy goat cheese or ricotta for a softer, milder version, though feta gives the signature tangy flavor.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Add baby spinach or arugula just before serving for freshness, or toss in roasted peppers for variety.
- → What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements the tangy feta and sweet tomatoes beautifully.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply substitute gluten-free pasta and double-check sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination.