Mediterranean Diet Baked Pasta with Cheese and Vegetables

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean Diet Baked Pasta with Cheese and Vegetables—a wholesome, one-dish meal that combines the heart-healthy goodness of whole wheat pasta with a medley of sautéed vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes. Infused with garlic, oregano, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, this dish offers the perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. Topped with melty mozzarella and tangy crumbled feta, then baked to golden perfection, it’s a cheesy dream come true without compromising on nutrition. Finished with fragrant fresh basil, this pasta bake is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, serving up a satisfying and flavorful dish inspired by the Mediterranean diet.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams whole wheat pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 1 medium, sliced into half moons zucchini
• 1 small, diced eggplant
• 200 grams cherry tomatoes
• 3 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 100 grams baby spinach
• 100 grams, crumbled feta cheese
• 150 grams, shredded mozzarella cheese
• 10 grams, fresh, chopped basil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced red bell pepper, zucchini, and eggplant. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Add the cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant and the tomatoes to release their juices.

Step 5

Stir in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables. Mix in the crumbled feta cheese and balsamic vinegar.

Step 7

Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.

Step 9

Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the baked pasta for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 10

Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Baked Pasta with Cheese and Vegetables!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1635.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1739.1

Total Fat 84.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 186.5mg	0%
Sodium 6907.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 175.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 37.5g	0%
Total Sugars 43.3g
Protein 82.8g	0%

Vitamin D 40IU	0%
Calcium 1834.6mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 2886.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.4%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 39.1%