Baked Feta Pasta 2.0 (Print)

Tangy feta, sweet onions, and sun-dried tomatoes join pasta for a rich, creamy Mediterranean dish.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz dried short pasta, such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni

→ Cheese

02 - 7 oz block feta cheese

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
06 - 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish

→ Pantry

08 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 400°F.
02 - In a large ovenproof baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season well with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss thoroughly.
03 - Place the feta cheese block in the center of the prepared baking dish, nestling it among the vegetables. Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil over the feta and season lightly with black pepper.
04 - Transfer the baking dish to the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft with golden edges.
05 - While baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden brown. Set aside.
06 - Simultaneously, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water following package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and then drain.
07 - Once baking is complete, remove the dish from the oven. Add the caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir well to break up the feta and blend the sauce thoroughly.
08 - Add the cooked pasta to the dish and toss well to coat. Gradually add reserved pasta water for desired sauce consistency. Serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of fresh basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil if preferred.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Rich Mediterranean flavor in every bite
  • Caramelised onions add depth and sweetness
02 -
  • Contains milk and wheat; use gluten-free pasta if needed
  • Pair this dish with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé for a perfect match
03 -
  • Caramelise the onions patiently for deep flavor
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce texture perfectly