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 viral baked feta pasta, and it completely changed the game. The layer of sweet onion flavor makes every bite even more satisfying for my family.
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 and Veggies:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). In a large ovenproof baking dish, add the 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, nestling among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the feta and season lightly with pepper.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise Onions:
- While baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring, 15 to 20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden. Set aside.
- Cook Pasta:
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water. Drain.
- Combine:
- Remove dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir, breaking feta to make creamy sauce.
- Finish:
- Add cooked pasta. Toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnishing with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil as desired.
Save We recently made this for a family movie night and the kids kept asking for second helpings. It disappeared faster than any other pasta dish we've tried.
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains milk (feta cheese) and wheat (pasta). Use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly, and check packaged items for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g
Save This pasta is both quick and deeply flavorful, sure to become your new weeknight favorite. Try with extra greens for a tasty twist.
Common Questions
- → Can I use any pasta shape for this dish?
Yes, short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best for holding the creamy sauce and toppings.
- → How do I achieve perfectly caramelised onions?
Cook onions low and slow in olive oil, stirring occasionally until golden brown and deeply sweet.
- → What other cheeses can substitute for feta?
Try goat cheese for tanginess or ricotta for a milder, creamier texture as alternatives.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety to enjoy the same flavors.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Baby spinach or arugula make great additions, stirred in just before serving for vibrant color and texture.
- → How should I serve leftovers?
Reheat with a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to restore the creamy consistency before serving.