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 has become a family favorite because it's flavorful and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
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:
- 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.
- 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 always brings my family together around the dinner table, sharing stories and enjoying every bite.
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 A perfect dish to enjoy fresh but also makes great leftovers for the next day.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for baking?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal as their hollow shapes hold the sauce well and bake evenly.
- → How can I enhance the Mediterranean flavors?
Adding kalamata olives or artichoke hearts introduces extra layers of traditional Mediterranean taste.
- → What cheese options complement this dish?
Crumbled feta and grated Parmesan create a creamy, tangy topping that melts beautifully when baked.
- → Can I prepare this dish vegan-friendly?
Substitute feta and Parmesan with plant-based cheese alternatives and ensure all ingredients are vegan.
- → What is the best way to cook the sauce base?
Gently sauté garlic, onion, bell pepper, and sun-dried tomatoes before simmering with canned tomatoes and herbs to develop depth of flavor.
- → How long should the pasta be cooked before baking?
Cook pasta slightly under al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions, to avoid overcooking in the oven.