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 2.0, my family couldn't stop talking about the unique combination of creamy cheese and sweet onions. It became an instant favorite at our dinner table and now it's my go-to recipe whenever we want something comforting but with a gourmet twist.
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).
- Prepare Vegetables:
- 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 of the dish 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 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 onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, 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.
- Combine:
- After baking, remove dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir everything together, breaking up the feta to make a creamy sauce.
- Add Pasta:
- Add cooked pasta to the dish and toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time for sauce consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Pin it This dish always makes meal time feel special. We love gathering around the table to scoop generous portions straight from the pan, making dinner lively and a little extra fun.
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
Pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé. For extra color and nutrition, try adding baby spinach or arugula right before serving.
Pin it Enjoy this creamy baked feta pasta as a cozy main dish and add your favorite greens for a custom touch. The leftovers make a delicious quick lunch the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, short pasta types like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best to hold the creamy sauce and toppings.
- → Why caramelise onions separately?
Caramelising brings deep sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, making the dish more complex and satisfying.
- → Can I substitute feta cheese?
Try goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and tang, but flavor will differ from classic feta.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce?
Baking feta softens it. Mixing with hot pasta, caramelised onions, and reserved pasta water creates a silky finish.
- → What vegetables pair well here?
Baby spinach or arugula added at the end gives extra color and freshness, complementing the baked tomatoes and onions.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the dish features feta cheese and vegetables, making it ideal for a vegetarian diet.