Baked Feta Pasta 2.0 Recipe

Introduction

Baked Feta Pasta 2.0 is a delightful twist on the viral baked feta trend, combining caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for a rich, savory flavor. This creamy, comforting pasta dish is simple to make and perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 12 oz dried short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)
• 7 oz block feta cheese
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for serving)
• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Step 2: In a large ovenproof baking dish, combine cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss well to coat.
3. Step 3: Nestle the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish among the tomatoes. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and lightly season with pepper.
4. Step 4: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the tomatoes burst and the feta is soft and golden around the edges.
5. Step 5: While the feta and tomatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until the onions are deeply caramelized and golden. Set aside.
6. Step 6: Cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
7. Step 7: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the caramelized onions and chopped basil to the dish. Stir thoroughly, breaking up the feta to create a creamy, cohesive sauce.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly, adding the reserved pasta water gradually to reach the desired consistency.
9. Step 9: Garnish with extra basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.
• Use a mix of cherry tomatoes in different colors for a visually vibrant dish.
• Fresh garlic can be substituted with garlic powder if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.
• If you want a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese when mixing the sauce.
• Try adding cooked spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrition.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of olive oil or pasta water to loosen the sauce. For best texture, it’s recommended to consume within the first day.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Feta is key to this recipe for its tangy flavor and texture that melts just right. However, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder alternative, though the taste and consistency will differ slightly.

What pasta shapes work best for baked feta pasta?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni work best because they hold the creamy sauce well. Feel free to use your favorite pasta, but avoid very thin noodles like angel hair as they may not coat as well.

Baked Feta Pasta 2.0 Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.5 from 86 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Baked Feta Pasta 2.0 recipe is a delicious twist on the viral baked feta pasta trend. It features creamy baked feta cheese combined with burst cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and caramelized onions, tossed with al dente pasta and fresh basil for a flavorful, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz dried short pasta (fusilli, penne, or rigatoni)

Cheese and Vegetables

• 7 oz block feta cheese
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

Herbs and Seasonings

• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for serving)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Oils

• 3 tbsp olive oil, divided

---

Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the feta and tomato mixture.
2. Tomato and Seasonings Mixture: In a large ovenproof baking dish, combine the cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season generously with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss everything to coat the tomatoes evenly.
3. Add Feta Cheese: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the tomato mixture in the baking dish. Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the feta and season the cheese lightly with black pepper.
4. Bake Tomato and Feta Assembly: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tomatoes have burst and the feta is soft and golden around the edges.
5. Caramelize Onions: While the feta and tomatoes bake, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes until they are deeply caramelized and golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
7. Prepare Sauce Base: Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the caramelized onions and chopped fresh basil to the baked feta and tomato mixture. Stir thoroughly, breaking up the feta to create a creamy, cohesive sauce.
8. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the baking dish. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce, adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
9. Serve: Garnish the finished pasta with extra fresh basil leaves and an additional drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use block feta rather than crumbled for the best creamy sauce texture.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add depth of flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Caramelizing onions adds sweetness and richness, but can be skipped if short on time.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit for a milder dish.
• Reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
• Serve this pasta fresh; it’s best eaten right after cooking for optimal texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Pasta
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: baked feta pasta, creamy baked feta, caramelized onion pasta, Mediterranean pasta recipe, easy dinner pasta