Baked Feta Pasta Caramelised

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 upgraded baked feta pasta, my friends couldn&t stop raving about the extra layers of flavor. Caramelising the onions takes a bit more time, but it&s absolutely worth it.

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

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:

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.

Toss 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

This pasta quickly became a family favorite. Even our pickiest eater goes back for seconds when the aroma of caramelised onions fills the kitchen.

Required Tools

Large ovenproof baking dish, large pot for boiling pasta, skillet, knife and chopping board, wooden spoon or spatula

Nutritional Information

Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g (per serving)

Pairings

Enjoy this dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé for the perfect Mediterranean experience.

Save

Try this creamy, flavorful pasta for your next weeknight dinner. You&ll love every bite.

Recipe Help & FAQs

→ How can I enhance the flavor further?

Try adding baby spinach or arugula at the end for grassy freshness and extra nutrients. A light squeeze of lemon also brightens the taste.

→ Is it suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this dish uses no meat and relies on feta and vegetables for flavor, making it vegetarian-friendly.

→ Can gluten-free pasta be used?

Absolutely, substitute regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free brand for a wheat-free version.

→ What wine pairs well with this?

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complement the creamy feta and caramelised onions beautifully.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce ahead and store separately. Toss with freshly cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water when ready to serve.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short pastas like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well.