Baked Feta Pasta Twist

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 made this dish on a hectic Tuesday night when I needed something comforting that didn&t require much effort. The combination of creamy feta and caramelised onions turned a simple pasta into a meal everyone raved about.

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 vegetables:

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 and finish:

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 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 go-to in my family, especially after my kids declared it the "best pasta ever" on a rainy Sunday. Even picky eaters love the creamy sauce and sweet onions.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 480, Total Fat: 20 g, Carbohydrates: 56 g, Protein: 16 g

Serving & Pairings

Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé. For added greens, stir in baby spinach or arugula just before serving

Save

Enjoy this satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dish with friends or family. It&s a simple way to upgrade weeknight dinners with bold flavor.

Recipe Guide

→ How does caramelised onion enhance the dish?

Caramelised onions provide natural sweetness and deep flavor, balancing the tangy feta and tomatoes.

→ Can I use another pasta shape?

Yes, short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni works best, but any preferred shape is suitable.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the regular pasta for a certified gluten-free version.

→ What wines pair well with this meal?

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé beautifully complete the Mediterranean flavors.

→ Can I add greens to this dish?

Baby spinach or arugula added before serving creates extra freshness and nutrients.

→ How do I achieve creamy sauce texture?

Add reserved pasta water gradually when tossing to reach the desired consistency.