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 this upgraded feta pasta when hosting friends midweek, and every plate was scraped clean. The combination of caramelised onions and sun-dried tomatoes created a sauce so luscious that we instantly added this to our regular dinner rotation.
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).
- Assemble 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 desired. Toss well.
- Add Feta:
- Place the feta block in the center of the baking dish and nestle among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the feta. Season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden on edges.
- Caramelise Onions:
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet on medium. 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 according to package instructions 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 form creamy sauce.
- Combine:
- Add cooked pasta to dish and toss to coat. If needed, use reserved pasta water for sauce consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save My family always requests this version, especially after discovering the magic of caramelised onions. Even our youngest loves helping sprinkle fresh basil at the table for that final touch.
Recipe Notes
For extra flavor, add a handful of baby spinach or arugula right before serving. Whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta works well, and this dish pairs beautifully with Sauvignon Blanc or rosé.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Nutrition Info
Per serving: 480 calories, 20 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein
Save This feta pasta is sure to become a staple for cozy nights. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite with your favorite glass of wine or sparkling water.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different cheese instead of feta?
Yes, try goat cheese or ricotta for a milder flavor, but feta brings tang and creaminess to the dish.
- → How do I caramelise onions perfectly?
Cook onions on medium heat in oil, stirring occasionally for 15–20 minutes until deep golden brown.
- → What types of pasta work best?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and provide a satisfying texture.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Add baby spinach or arugula at the end for color and freshness, or roasted peppers for depth.
- → Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Simply swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety to suit dietary needs.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements the tangy, creamy flavors beautifully.