Pin 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 this version after craving something comforting and a little different on a rainy evening. The creamy feta and rich onions transformed a simple pasta dish into pure magic 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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- 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.
- Combine 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.
- Add 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.
Pin We now make this for casual Sunday lunches—it vanishes fast, and there are never leftovers when the whole family gathers around.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is delicious alongside a crisp green salad or with a side of roasted veggies for extra color and nutrition.
Variations
Stir in baby spinach or arugula just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor, or change up the pasta shape to suit your mood.
Wine Pairing
Enjoy this dish with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé for a perfect meal experience.
Pin This updated feta pasta guarantees big flavor and comforting texture every time. Serve hot and garnish generously with extra basil.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, fusilli, penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free varieties work well to hold the creamy sauce.
- → How do I caramelise onions properly?
Cook sliced onions in olive oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden and sweet, about 15–20 minutes.
- → What makes the sauce creamy?
The baked feta softens and mixes with burst tomatoes and caramelised onions, creating a rich, creamy base when stirred.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Adding baby spinach or arugula just before serving offers extra flavor and nutrition without altering the texture.
- → Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it features cheese and vegetables without meat. Use gluten-free pasta to suit additional dietary preferences.
- → How can I adjust spice level?
Include or omit crushed red pepper flakes as desired to control the dish's heat.