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 adding caramelised onions to the classic baked feta pasta and it transformed the dish into something truly memorable. The combination of sweet, golden onions with tangy feta makes each bite more satisfying, and my family now asks for this upgraded version all the time.
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
- Vegetables: 200 g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- Vegetables: 80 g (1/2 cup) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
- Vegetables: 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Vegetables: 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for serving)
- Pantry: 3 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- Pantry: 1 tsp dried oregano
- Pantry: 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Pantry: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Arrange vegetables:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add the 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:
- 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 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.
- Mix 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.
- Combine pasta:
- Add the 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.
Save My family loves how simple this pasta is to share and customize. We all gather around the table for a hearty Mediterranean meal brimming with flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé for a balanced meal that feels special yet effortless.
Tool Recommendations
Use a large ovenproof baking dish, pot for pasta, and a wide skillet for caramelising onions to make the process smooth and simple.
Nutrition Information
Each serving provides about 480 calories, with 20 g fat, 56 g carbohydrates, and 16 g protein. It's filling enough for dinner, yet light enough for lunch.
Save This elevated baked feta pasta could easily become a staple—it's simple, bold, and endlessly adaptable. Enjoy every creamy bite!