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.
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 A vibrant, oven-baked pasta packed with Mediterranean flavors is a family favorite that brings everyone to the table with warm smiles.
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 (per serving)
Save This recipe delivers a rich Mediterranean flair in every bite perfect for cozy family dinners.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use different pasta shapes for this dish?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work best because they hold the sauce well, but other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle can be substituted.
- → How can I add extra protein to this baked pasta?
Incorporate grilled chicken, chickpeas, or other plant-based protein options to enhance the nutritional content without compromising flavor.
- → Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes, replace feta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives and ensure other ingredients are vegan-friendly to accommodate dietary preferences.
- → What herbs complement the Mediterranean flavors in this pasta?
Dried oregano, dried basil, fresh parsley, and basil leaves add authentic Mediterranean aromas and deepen the overall taste profile.
- → How do I avoid overcooking the pasta before baking?
Cook the pasta slightly under al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions, to prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.