Baked Feta Pasta Upgrade

This creamy sun-dried tomato and caramelized onion baked feta pasta is made for slow evenings that call for big flavor without much work. The luscious sauce gets depth from silky onions and tang from sun-dried tomatoes, all melting into roasted feta and juicy cherry tomatoes. When you want a crowd-pleaser that feels both cozy and Mediterranean, this is what I turn to.

The first time I tried this recipe was a rainy weeknight with almost nothing in my fridge but feta and tomatoes. Now it has become my go-to comfort dish and people always ask me for the recipe after one bite.

Ingredients

• Feta cheese block: This gives the dish its signature tangy creaminess. Opt for a firm block from the cheese section for the best melt
• Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni: Shape is key because it holds onto all the creamy sauce. Look for high quality bronze cut pasta for extra cling
• Cherry tomatoes: These burst and get sweet as they roast. The fresher the tomatoes, the more intense the flavor
• Yellow onions: They are the secret to rich deep flavor in the sauce. Take a minute to pick the firmest, most golden ones
• Garlic: Adds lovely savory notes. Choose plump cloves for easy peeling
• Sun dried tomatoes in oil: These boost the savory tang. Select ones packed in olive oil and slice thin for even distribution
• Extra virgin olive oil: This coats everything with fruity richness. Use your favorite for bold flavor
• Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean seasoning that ties all the flavors together
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Give a little heat to balance the creaminess. Add as little or as much as you like to suit your taste
• Freshly ground black pepper and sea salt: Season throughout for best results. Taste your feta before adding extra salt
• Fresh basil leaves: Tear over for herby brightness and a fresh lift. Buy a handful of unbruised basil and add just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to two hundred degrees Celsius or four hundred degrees Fahrenheit so it is hot when you are ready to roast

Build the Sauce Base:

In a large ovenproof baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sliced sun dried tomatoes, and minced garlic. Drizzle with two tablespoons olive oil. Scatter oregano, red pepper flakes, and a little salt and pepper over. Top everything with a gentle toss to coat all the veggies and flavorings evenly

Nestle the Feta:

Place the whole block of feta cheese right in the center of your vegetable pile. Drizzle another tablespoon of olive oil over the cheese so it turns golden and extra creamy while baking

Caramelize the Onions:

Heat the last tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium low. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring often. You want to see them turn deep golden and soft after about fifteen to twenty minutes. Set them aside. Try not to rush this part as this is where the sweet base of the dish comes from

Roast Everything:

Slide the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes. Check that the tomatoes are collapsed and jammy and the feta just golden on top

Cook the Pasta:

Meanwhile, get a big pot of salted water boiling. Add your chosen pasta and boil until the noodles are just firm to the bite. Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining

Mix the Sauce:

Take out the baking dish. Carefully add the caramelized onions. Muddle and stir everything gently. You want the feta to become creamy and the tomatoes to form a luscious jammy sauce with the oil and onions

Finish with Pasta:

Add your drained pasta to the same baking dish. Toss thoroughly so every piece is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water and stir

Season and Serve:

Taste for salt and pepper. Finish with torn basil right before serving for a fresh note

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I have always loved how sun dried tomatoes add such a rich tang to every bite. Sometimes I sneak a few extra in just for me. My kids love helping mash everything together at the table, which makes dinner time fun and messy

Storage Tips

Leftover baked feta pasta stores very well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce before microwaving or gently warming on the stove. This dish actually gets creamier as it sits

Ingredient Substitutions

If you want a lighter option, swap in reduced fat feta or even soft goat cheese. Use any short pasta you have on hand. Gluten free varieties work well. If you cannot find sun dried tomatoes, try roasted red bell peppers for the same sweet tangy flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette and some crusty bread to mop up extra sauce. For an even more festive occasion, pair with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Cultural Context

Baked feta pasta first became famous as a viral TikTok recipe, but this version leans deeper into classic Mediterranean roots by adding sun dried tomatoes, caramelized onions, and plenty of olive oil. It is a nod to Greek and Italian comfort food where roasting brings everything together in a one pan meal

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can swap short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, and use whole-wheat or gluten-free varieties.

→ How do I prevent the feta from drying out?

Bake the feta with tomatoes and olive oil to keep it moist and creamy. Avoid overbaking for best results.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Absolutely. Try adding baby spinach or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.

→ What is the best way to caramelize onions?

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

→ How do I get the sauce creamy?

Mash the baked feta with roasted tomatoes and caramelized onions, then toss with cooked pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed.

→ Can this dish be made ahead?

For freshest taste, enjoy straight from the oven. If making ahead, reserve some pasta water to refresh the sauce when reheating.