Save A vibrant, oven-baked pasta packed with Mediterranean flavors, featuring roasted garlic, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy feta. A comforting vegetarian dish perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) penne or rigatoni, 1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt for boiling
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium red onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced, 1 red bell pepper diced, 100 g (3.5 oz) sun-dried tomatoes drained and sliced, 100 g (3.5 oz) baby spinach
- Sauce & Cheese: 400 g (14 oz) canned chopped tomatoes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional), 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese crumbled, 50 g (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Garnish: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil, Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a large baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Step 3:
- While pasta cooks, heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, bell pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes cook for 2–3 minutes more.
- Step 4:
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Step 5:
- Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
- Step 6:
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce and half the feta in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Step 7:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining feta and Parmesan.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Step 9:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Save Required Tools
Large pot, Skillet, Baking dish, Mixing bowl, Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains wheat (gluten), milk (feta, Parmesan). Check cheese labels for vegetarian suitability if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480, Total Fat: 17 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 18 g
Save This Mediterranean baked pasta is a delicious and easy way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table. Perfect for meal prep or a casual night in.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well and withstand baking without losing texture, making them ideal choices.
- → Can I add protein to enhance this dish?
Yes, adding grilled chicken or chickpeas provides extra protein and complements the Mediterranean flavors.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Substitute feta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives and ensure all other ingredients align with a vegan diet.
- → What herbs enhance the Mediterranean flavor here?
Dried oregano and basil add aromatic notes, while fresh parsley or basil garnish brightens the finished dish.
- → Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cooking slightly under al dente ensures the pasta finishes baking perfectly without becoming mushy.
- → Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely, kalamata olives or artichoke hearts can be added for more Mediterranean flair and complexity.