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 a version of this baked feta pasta when searching for vegetarian dinner ideas and I instantly loved how the creamy feta paired with sweet onions. Ever since, this dish has become a go-to comfort meal in my kitchen whenever I want something rich but simple.
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
- Prepare the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Assemble baking 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 using. Toss to combine.
- Add feta:
- Place the feta block in the center, 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 tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden at the edges.
- Caramelise onions:
- Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sliced 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.
- Combine and finish:
- After baking, remove dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil; stir and break up feta to create a creamy sauce.
- Add pasta:
- Add cooked pasta, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed for desired sauce consistency.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Save Whenever I make this dish, my family gathers eagerly around the oven, drawn by the irresistible aroma of caramelising onions. It has quickly become a vegetarian crowd-pleaser for our weeknight dinners.
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). For gluten-free, use alternative pasta and check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g
Save Elevate your pasta nights with this irresistible baked feta recipe. It truly shines with a sprinkle of fresh basil at the end.
Recipe FAQs
- → Which pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni absorb the creamy sauce and create pleasing texture.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute dried gluten-free pasta and double-check your sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination.
- → How do I caramelise onions perfectly?
Cook sliced onions gently over medium heat with olive oil, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and sweet.
- → What add-ins elevate the dish?
Baby spinach, arugula, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add brightness or heat to the finished meal.
- → Which wine pairs well?
Lighter wines like Sauvignon Blanc or rosé complement the creamy and tangy flavors beautifully.
- → Is feta suitable for vegetarians?
Most feta is vegetarian, but check packaging as some varieties contain animal-derived rennet.