- Keywords: baked feta pasta, vegetable pasta dish, oven-baked pasta, creamy feta pasta
- Ingredients:
- Spiralized zucchini noodles or fusilli pasta (1 pound)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup)
- Red bell peppers, diced (1 medium)
- Yellow onions, finely chopped (1 small)
- Garlic cloves, minced (3 cloves)
- Fresh spinach leaves (4 cups), loosely packed
- Feta cheese, crumbled (8 ounces)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Italian seasoning or dried basil for flavoring
- Optional: Kalamata olives, sliced; Kefalotyri or feta cheese slices for topping
Steps
### Baked Feta Pasta with Vegetables: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
Looking for a vibrant and flavorful pasta dish that's both comforting and nutritious? Look no further than our baked feta pasta with vegetables. This recipe combines tender, sautéed veggies with creamy feta cheese and a hint of garlic, all baked to perfection in the oven. It’s perfect as a weeknight meal or a special dinner party dish.
#### Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (such as penne or fusilli)
- 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
#### Equipment Needed
- Baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Non-stick pan for sautéing vegetables
- Mixing bowl
#### Step-by-Step Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook the Pasta:**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
3. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
- In a non-stick pan over medium heat, add olive oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add sliced red bell pepper and diced zucchini. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
4. **Combine Ingredients:**
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with sautéed vegetables. Stir in crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- If needed, add reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
5. **Bake the Pasta:**
- Transfer the pasta mixture to an oven-safe baking dish.
- Sprinkle with extra feta cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. **Garnish and Serve:**
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.
#### Tips and Variations
- For added flavor, you can add some red pepper flakes or a splash of balsamic vinegar to the vegetable mixture before baking.
- Swap out the bell peppers for other colorful veggies like yellow squash or mushrooms if preferred.
- Use different types of cheese such as goat cheese or ricotta for a unique twist.
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Enjoy your delicious baked feta pasta with vegetables! This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also packed with essential nutrients from the vegetables.