Pin this 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.
Pin this This recipe always brings my family together around the table with smiles and satisfied appetites
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 this This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is easy enough for any weeknight meal
Recipe Questions
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal for holding the sauce and baking evenly.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the pasta and sauce, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor?
Dried oregano and basil bring classic Mediterranean aromas to the sauce.
- → How do I achieve a golden crust?
Top with a mix of feta and Parmesan cheeses and bake until bubbling and golden.
- → Are there vegetarian protein options?
Chickpeas or plant-based protein additions work well for a vegetarian boost.
- → Can I make a vegan version?
Yes, substitute dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and omit animal products.