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.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my home for its easy preparation and delightful Mediterranean taste.
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
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease a large baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- 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.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until softened. Add garlic, bell pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes more.
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in chopped tomatoes, oregano, basil, chili flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add Spinach:
- Add spinach and cook until wilted about 1 minute.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Combine the drained pasta with the sauce and half the feta in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining feta and Parmesan.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest and Garnish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with lemon wedges if desired.
Save This dish quickly became a family favorite for cozy weeknight dinners shared around the table.
Notes
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Try kalamata olives or artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flair. For a vegan version use plant-based cheese alternatives.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, baking dish, mixing bowl, knife and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 480, Total Fat 17 g, Carbohydrates 59 g, Protein 18 g.
Save This Mediterranean baked pasta is the perfect blend of flavors and textures, ideal for any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as they hold the sauce well and maintain texture when baked.
- → Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be added for extra protein content.
- → How can I make this dish vegan-friendly?
Replace the feta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives to suit a vegan diet.
- → What herbs enhance the Mediterranean flavors here?
Oregano, basil, and fresh parsley or basil garnish highlight the Mediterranean profile.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the pasta and sauce ahead, then bake fresh before serving for best results.