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 version, the caramelised onions took the whole dish to another level. Guests always ask for seconds, and it turns into a hearty crowd pleaser that feels restaurant-worthy.
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
- Prepare oven and vegetables:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). 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. Toss to combine.
- Add feta:
- Place feta block in center of baking dish among tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over feta. Season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at edges.
- Caramelise onions:
- While baking, heat large skillet over medium. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring, 15 to 20 minutes until onions are deeply caramelised and golden. Set aside.
- Cook pasta:
- While onions cook, prepare 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, breaking up feta to create creamy sauce.
- Finish and serve:
- Add cooked pasta to dish. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency. Serve garnished with extra basil and drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save This is one of those dishes everyone wants the recipe for at family dinners. Kids love scooping it onto their plates, and there's always lively chatter over seconds.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta cheese) and wheat (pasta). To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Double-check sun-dried tomatoes for potential cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g.
Save This pasta brings seriously bold flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy with a sprinkle of basil and a good company.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I achieve perfect caramelised onions?
Slice onions thinly and cook them slowly over medium heat with olive oil for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and sweet.
- → Can I substitute other cheese for feta?
Soft cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese offer a creamy texture, but feta’s distinct tang is central to the flavor profile.
- → What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni catches the creamy sauce and vegetables most effectively for balanced bites.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Swap the regular pasta for certified gluten-free varieties to suit dietary requirements without sacrificing flavor or texture.
- → Can I add vegetables for more nutrition?
Toss in baby spinach or arugula at the end for added color, flavor, and nutrients; stir just until wilted before serving.
- → Which wines pair well with this dish?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complement the creamy, tangy pasta, balancing its richness and acidity.