Save to Pinterest A richer, more flavorful twist on the viral baked feta pasta this recipe features creamy feta, burst cherry tomatoes, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, all coming together in a luscious, crave-worthy sauce.
I first experimented with caramelized onions and sun-dried tomatoes in the classic recipe, and the results blew everyone away. It quickly became my go-to pasta dish for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers.
Ingredients
- Dairy: 200 g (7 oz) block feta cheese
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
- Vegetables: 500 g (1 lb) cherry tomatoes, 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), 60 g (⅓ cup) sun-dried tomatoes (sliced, in oil)
- Oils & Seasonings: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (divided), 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), freshly ground black pepper (to taste), sea salt (to taste)
- Fresh Herbs (optional): 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (torn)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- In a large ovenproof baking dish, add cherry tomatoes, sliced sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss to combine.
- Add Feta:
- Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the baking dish. Drizzle 1 more tablespoon of olive oil over the feta.
- Caramelize Onions:
- In a skillet over medium-low heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes until caramelized and golden brown. Set aside.
- Bake:
- Bake the feta and tomato mixture for 25–30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is golden on top.
- Cook Pasta:
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Make Sauce:
- Once the feta and tomatoes are baked, add the caramelized onions to the baking dish. Gently mash and stir everything together to create a creamy sauce.
- Combine:
- Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Finish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with torn basil leaves before serving.
Save to Pinterest The first time I served this, my family couldn't stop talking about the sweet onions and creamy sauce it has become a regular request!
Required Tools
Large ovenproof baking dish, large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, knife and cutting board, wooden spoon or spatula
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 480 calories, 18 g total fat, 60 g carbohydrates, 14 g protein
Category & Yield
Main Dish, Mediterranean cuisine, Easy difficulty, Vegetarian diet, Yield: 4 servings
Save to Pinterest This baked feta pasta is pure comfort and comes together so easily even on busy weeknights. Give it a try and watch everyone come back for seconds.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I caramelize onions properly?
Cook sliced onions over medium-low heat with olive oil, stirring often, for 15–20 minutes until golden brown.
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta works well; just follow package directions for cooking time.
- → What flavor do sun-dried tomatoes add?
Sun-dried tomatoes provide tangy sweetness and depth, complementing the creaminess of feta cheese.
- → How do I adjust sauce consistency?
Add reserved pasta water gradually, tossing until you reach your preferred creamy texture.
- → Does feta melt fully when baked?
Baked feta softens and becomes creamy but holds its shape, blending into a velvety sauce when mashed.
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, try baby spinach or roasted red peppers for more color, nutrients, and Mediterranean flair.