Mediterranean Diet Baked Pasta with Cheese and Vegetables
Savor the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this wholesome, comforting "Mediterranean Diet Baked Pasta with Cheese and Vegetables." Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like whole wheat pasta, fresh zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes, this dish highlights the best of heart-healthy Mediterranean cuisine. A blend of creamy feta and gooey mozzarella creates an irresistible cheesy topping that perfectly complements the sautéed garlic-infused vegetables. Enhanced with aromatic oregano, fresh basil, and a hint of balsamic vinegar for added depth, this baked pasta is as satisfying as it is nutritious. Quick to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s an ideal dish for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings—delicious, colorful, and a guaranteed family favorite! ☀️
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F).
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.
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.
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.
Stir in the baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables. Mix in the crumbled feta cheese and balsamic vinegar.
Transfer the pasta and vegetable mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the baked pasta for an extra burst of flavor.
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Baked Pasta with Cheese and Vegetables!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1739 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 84.5 g | 108% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.2 g | 181% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 186 mg | 62% | |
| Sodium | 6907 mg | 300% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 175.4 g | 64% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 37.5 g | 134% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.3 g | ||
| Protein | 82.8 g | 166% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 1835 mg | 141% | |
| Iron | 13.3 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 2887 mg | 61% | |
*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.
