Baked Feta Pasta Sun-dried

This creamy baked feta pasta is an easy weeknight staple that never fails to impress. With rich caramelised onions and a tangy kick from sun-dried tomatoes, it comes together in under an hour and brings restaurant-level flavor to your home kitchen. I love how the caramelised onions melt into the sauce and the whole dish feels extra special, even on a busy Tuesday.

Each time I make this I am reminded of how caramelised onions can transform a basic meal into something truly craveworthy. The combination of feta with those jammy onions and tomatoes is just magic.

Ingredients

• Dried short pasta such as fusilli penne or rigatoni: The shape really helps scoop up the sauce so choose one with plenty of ridges and curves
• Block feta cheese: Full fat feta turns ultra creamy when baked Go for a block instead of pre-crumbled for best melt
• Yellow onions: Thinly sliced yellow onions are the backbone of your caramelised layer Choose heavy onions without any soft spots for best results
• Cherry tomatoes: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness that balance the sharp feta Look for bright shiny skin and a firm feel
• Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Deepens the savoriness and adds an umami punch Choose tender strips in oil not dry packed
• Garlic: Use fresh garlic for warmth and depth Slice thin so it melts right in
• Fresh basil: The finishing touch for brightness Roughly chop fresh leaves right before serving
• Olive oil: Richness that ties the sauce together Extra virgin if possible
• Dried oregano: Brings the Mediterranean vibes Make sure it smells fragrant when you open the jar
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but great for a little gentle heat
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Seasoning for every layer Taste as you go

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven:

Set your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius which is four hundred Fahrenheit so it is fully hot when you start baking This step is important for the tomatoes and feta to roast evenly and get just the right golden edges

Prepare the Tomato Base:

In a large ovenproof baking dish combine the halved cherry tomatoes sun-dried tomatoes sliced garlic and two tablespoons olive oil Add salt pepper oregano and red pepper flakes if using Toss everything until every tomato is shiny and seasoned

Nestle the Feta:

Place your block of feta in the center of the baking dish push it down slightly among the tomatoes and drizzle on the remaining tablespoon of olive oil Lightly season the feta with extra pepper for a bit of a crust

Bake Until Bubbling:

Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes You want to see the tomatoes burst and the feta soften and take on a light golden hue at the edges

Caramelise the Onions:

While the feta bakes place a large skillet on medium heat Add a spoon of olive oil and the sliced onions Cook gently for fifteen to twenty minutes stirring occasionally until the onions turn deep golden brown and sticky If they look dry add a splash of water This step is what makes your sauce so rich

Boil the Pasta:

Set a large pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta until just al dente usually about eight to ten minutes Reserve half a cup of the pasta water then drain the rest This starchy water helps bring the sauce together later

Build the Creamy Sauce:

Take your baking dish from the oven and immediately add the caramelised onions and chopped basil Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything together breaking the feta and blending all the roasted ingredients into a thick creamy sauce

Finish with the Pasta:

Add the cooked pasta right into the dish and toss to coat well Pour in a bit of the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired creamy consistency

Serve with Freshness:

Spoon the pasta onto plates and finish with extra chopped basil and a drizzle of olive oil for shine Serve while hot and bubbly for best results

Save

Caramelised onions are my not so secret favorite They take this dish from good to unforgettable I once made this for a family birthday dinner and the kids licked their plates clean and even asked for seconds

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in a tightly covered container in the fridge for up to three days A splash of water or milk and a quick reheat over gentle heat will revive the sauce beautifully Avoid microwaving for too long as feta can become grainy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find a block of feta try creamy goat cheese instead For extra veggies you can fold in baby spinach arugula or even roasted red pepper near the end Gluten free pasta works with no other changes

Serving Suggestions

This dish is filling on its own but also shines next to a simple arugula salad or garlic roasted broccolini For extra crunch scatter some toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top at serving

Cultural and Historical Notes

Baked feta pasta is a fun twist on Greek inspired flavors The viral original recipe embraced simplicity but this upgraded version leans into tradition by layering caramelised onions and sun dried tomatoes These Mediterranean additions make the dish far richer and more authentic

Seasonal Adaptations

Roast cubes of butternut squash with the tomatoes in fall Add peas or green beans for bright spring flavor Toss in halved kalamata olives in summer for a briny punch

Success Stories

Friends who claim they do not like feta quickly change their minds after trying this Every time I bring this to a potluck the platter empties in minutes One neighbor calls it restaurant food at home

Freezer Meal Conversion

You can assemble the tomato feta and onion base ahead then freeze in an airtight dish Thaw completely before baking Add cooked pasta after reheating and loosen with more pasta water if needed

Save

Make this creamy baked feta pasta your go-to comforting dinner. The family will love every tangy rich bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best?

Short shapes such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well and create the best texture.

→ How do I properly caramelise onions?

Cook sliced onions slowly over medium heat with olive oil, stirring often, until deeply golden and sweet.

→ Can I substitute feta cheese?

Creamy goat cheese or ricotta can substitute, though feta’s tangy flavor is distinctive in this dish.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free pasta to ensure it’s suitable for gluten-free diets.

→ What wine complements these flavors?

Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé pairs beautifully with the tangy and creamy Mediterranean profile.

→ Any optional vegetable additions?

A handful of baby spinach or arugula stirred in just before serving adds extra freshness and color.