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 dish for my friends, everyone was amazed at how the caramelised onions transformed the classic baked feta pasta. It's become my go-to for a comforting vegetarian dinner that impresses with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) dried short pasta (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:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Tomato Base:

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 of the baking dish among the tomatoes. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil over the feta and season with pepper.

Bake:

Bake for 25–30 minutes, until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden on 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.

Mix Sauce:

Remove dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil to the baking dish. Stir together, breaking up feta to create creamy sauce.

Combine:

Add cooked pasta to dish, tossing to coat. 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

One night, my family gathered around the table, eager to try this new take on a viral pasta recipe. Even my picky cousin reached for seconds, and we all agreed the caramelised onions were the secret magic.

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

Pairings

This pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé for a complete Mediterranean experience.

Save

Enjoy this pasta hot for maximum creaminess. Leftovers keep well, making a flavorful lunch the next day!

Cooking Questions

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni are ideal for holding the creamy feta sauce.

→ Can I use reduced-fat feta?

Yes, reduced-fat feta can be used, but it may yield a slightly less rich and creamy texture.

→ Are caramelised onions essential?

Caramelised onions add depth and sweetness, but you can omit or substitute with shallots if desired.

→ How do I adjust the spice level?

Crushed red pepper flakes are optional—add more for heat or skip for a milder dish.

→ What wine pairs with this dish?

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements the feta and tomato flavors well.

→ Is there a gluten-free option?

Simply swap in gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.