Baked Feta Pasta Caramelised (Print Version)
Mediterranean pasta with creamy feta, caramelised onions, and sun-dried tomatoes delivers luscious flavor.
# Components:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 ounces dried short pasta such as fusilli, penne, or rigatoni
→ Cheese
02 - 7 ounces 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 serving
→ 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
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F.
02 - In a large ovenproof baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Season generously with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Toss thoroughly to coat.
03 - Nestle the feta block in the center of the tomato mixture. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season lightly with pepper.
04 - Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until tomatoes burst and feta softens with golden edges.
05 - While baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until deeply caramelised and golden brown. Set aside.
06 - Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain the pasta.
07 - Remove baking dish from oven. Add caramelised onions and chopped basil. Stir gently to combine, breaking up the feta to form a creamy sauce.
08 - Add cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed until desired consistency is achieved.
09 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Deep, complex flavor from caramelised onions and sun-dried tomatoes
- Quick to prepare and easy enough for busy nights
02 -
- This dish contains milk (feta cheese) and wheat (pasta)
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check sun-dried tomato labels for cross-contamination
03 -
- For extra creaminess, reserve and add pasta water gradually to adjust consistency
- Try whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs without compromising flavor