Baked Feta Pasta 2.0

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 baked feta pasta with caramelised onions, I was amazed by how those golden onions transformed the creamy sauce. It became a frequent dinner in our home, especially when weeknights are hectic but we crave big flavors.

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).

Layer Ingredients:

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.

Center Feta:

Place the feta block in the middle of the 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 feta is soft and golden at the edges.

Caramelise Onions:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring, for 15–20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden brown. Set aside.

Cook Pasta:

While onions cook, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water, then drain.

Combine:

After baking, remove the dish from the oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir everything together, breaking up the feta to make a creamy sauce.

Toss & Serve:

Add cooked pasta to the dish, tossing to coat evenly. If desired, add reserved pasta water for preferred sauce consistency. Serve garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil.

Save

This recipe became a family favorite last summer. We gathered around the table with plates full of saucy pasta, everyone piling on extra basil and sipping chilled rosé together.

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

Serve hot with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé and a fresh green salad.

Save

Dig in while the pasta is warm and creamy. This dish shines with bright Mediterranean ingredients and comes together effortlessly.

Recipe Questions

→ Can I use another cheese besides feta?

Feta offers unique tang and creaminess, but goat cheese or ricotta can be substituted for different flavors and textures.

→ How should I caramelise onions for best results?

Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with olive oil, stirring frequently, until deep golden and sweet for maximized flavor.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Simply opt for certified gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients, like sun-dried tomatoes, are also gluten-free.

→ What pasta shapes work best?

Short pasta types such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are ideal, absorbing the creamy feta-based sauce thoroughly.

→ How do I adjust the spiciness?

Add or reduce crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste. Omit entirely for a mild, family-friendly version.

→ What wine pairs well with this meal?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé complements the Mediterranean flavors and creaminess perfectly.