Easy Mediterranean Pasta Bake
This delicious Mediterranean twist on classic macaroni and cheese features feta, olives, fire-roasted tomatoes, and fresh herbs, baked to golden perfection. A crowd-pleasing comfort dish with vibrant Greek flavors.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 14.5 oz fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained well
- 0.33 cups chopped black olives or kalamata olives
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 Tbsp butter, plus more for baking dish
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 0.33 cups chopped red onion
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 6 oz crumbled feta cheese, divided 2 oz for sauce, 4 oz for topping
- 2 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter an 8 by 8-inch baking dish or a 9-inch deep dish pie dish, set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine drained diced tomatoes, chopped olives, 1 Tbsp fresh basil and dried oregano, set aside. Boil pasta to al dente according to directions listed on package.
- Drain pasta well and return to pot. Meanwhile, melt butter along with olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and saute until soft and lightly golden, about 3 - 4 minutes, adding in garlic during the last minute of sauteing.
- Whisk in flour, and cook stirring constantly for 1 minute. While whisking vigorously, slowly pour in milk and bring mixture just to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Once mixture reaches a boil reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring constantly until mixture has thickened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in 2 oz feta cheese and mozzarella cheese then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour tomato mixture over well drained pasta in pot and toss, then pour sauce over pasta mixture and toss to evenly coat. Pour coated pasta mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle top evenly with remaining 4 oz crumbled feta cheese. Bake in preheated oven 20 - 25 minutes until edges are bubbling and top is golden brown.
- Serve warm garnished with fresh basil ribbons if desired.
Notes
For a richer texture, top with panko breadcrumbs before baking. Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave. Serve with a side green salad for a complete meal.