Pasta and Feta Cheese Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pasta and Feta Cheese Casserole, a flavor-packed dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. This hearty casserole combines tender penne pasta smothered in a fragrant garlic and tomato sauce, elevated with aromatic herbs like oregano and basil. The addition of crumbled feta cheese brings a creamy tang, while wilted baby spinach, sliced black olives, and a hint of red pepper flakes add layers of flavor and texture. Topped with melty mozzarella and baked to golden perfection, this casserole is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Ready in under an hour and serving four, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is a must-try for pasta lovers seeking a simple yet impressive baked dish.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 g penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 400 g crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
• 100 g baby spinach
• 50 g black olives, sliced
• 150 g shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the crushed tomatoes to the skillet, followed by oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 5

Fold in the baby spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.

Step 6

Combine the cooked pasta, tomato sauce, sliced black olives, and half of the crumbled feta cheese in a large mixing bowl. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the remaining feta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 9

Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1255.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2558.4

Total Fat 118.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 273.3mg	0%
Sodium 5985.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 264.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.8g	0%
Total Sugars 15.2g
Protein 110.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2229.5mg	0%
Iron 20.7mg	0%
Potassium 1738.2mg	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: 41.6%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 41.3%