Pin It 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.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my house for busy weeknights because it tastes like a special meal but comes together so easily.
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 denté (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
Pin It My family loves gathering around this dish it brings warmth and vibrant flavors to our dinner table providing great comfort and joy.
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
Pin It This Mediterranean baked pasta is a delicious and easy meal to impress family and friends at any time.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta types work best?
Penne or rigatoni hold the sauce well and bake nicely in this dish.
- → Can I add protein to enhance this dish?
Grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added for extra protein and substance.
- → How to make this dish vegan-friendly?
Replace feta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast.
- → What herbs bring out the Mediterranean flavor?
Dried oregano, basil, and fresh parsley or basil garnish boost the Mediterranean aroma.
- → Is it important to slightly undercook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cooking pasta just shy of al dente prevents overcooking during baking, maintaining a perfect texture.
- → Can I add other Mediterranean ingredients?
Kalamata olives or artichoke hearts add depth and enhance the regional flavor profile.