Baked Feta Caramelised Tomatoes

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 was amazed at how caramelised onions transform classic baked feta pasta into a deeply savory and comforting dish. Sharing it with friends sparked requests for the recipe with every bite.

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

Oven Prep:

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).

Bake Tomato & Feta:

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. Place the feta block in the center, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, season lightly. Bake for 25–30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta is soft and golden.

Caramelise Onion:

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and onions. Cook 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelised and golden. Set aside.

Cook Pasta:

While the onions caramelise, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 120 ml (1/2 cup) pasta water and drain.

Create Sauce:

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

Toss & Serve:

Add cooked pasta to dish, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time for desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Pin Recipe

Everyone kept going back for seconds and raving about the robust flavors when I cooked this for my sister's birthday dinner. It's now requested at every family gathering.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 480 calories, 20 g total fat, 56 g carbohydrates, 16 g protein

Notes

For extra flavor, add baby spinach or arugula just before serving; whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta works well; pairs nicely with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé

Pin Recipe

Enjoy this baked feta pasta fresh while it's warm and creamy. Stir in extra basil for a pop of freshness before serving.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Short pastas like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best for holding the creamy sauce, but most pasta shapes will do.

→ How do I achieve deeply caramelised onions?

Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with olive oil, stirring occasionally until deeply golden and sweet, about 15–20 minutes.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

Try creamy goat cheese or ricotta for a similar texture, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

→ Is this suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, it's entirely plant-based except for dairy; simply use vegetarian-friendly feta for strict diets.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your sun-dried tomatoes for cross-contamination.

→ How do I balance the sauce consistency?

Gradually add reserved pasta water when tossing everything together until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess.