Imagine a dish that effortlessly transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with every bite-a harmonious blend of rustic flavors, vibrant colors, and comforting textures. The Greek-Style Pasta Bake with Feta & Olives is exactly that culinary escape, combining tender pasta, tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and fragrant herbs into a warm, bubbling casserole that celebrates the heart of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends, this dish invites you to savor the simple, wholesome ingredients that make Greek cooking so beloved, all while enjoying the convenience of a one-pan meal. join us as we explore the secrets behind this Mediterranean delight and discover how to bring a taste of Greece straight to yoru table.
Mediterranean Delight: Greek-Style Pasta bake with Feta & Olives beckons with its vibrant combination of tangy feta, briny olives, and tender pasta, crafted to bring a true taste of the Aegean coastline to your dining table. This luscious bake captures the heart of Mediterranean cuisine through wholesome,fresh ingredients that sing with sunshine and tradition.Having discovered this dish during a sun-drenched trip to Crete, I was instantly captivated by its creamy texture and bold flavors-qualities that make it a perfect comfort meal anytime you crave a piece of the Mediterranean.
Prep and Cook Time
Preparation: 15 minutes | Cooking: 35 minutes | total: 50 minutes
Yield
Serves 6 hearty portions
Difficulty Level
Easy to Medium – perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 8 oz block of feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup Greek yogurt, full-fat for creaminess
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).Grease a medium baking dish with a splash of olive oil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release juices, about 4 minutes.
- Lower the heat and fold in the kalamata olives, crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, heavy cream, oregano, and lemon zest. Stir gently until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Note: Be cautious with salt as feta and olives are already salty.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is generously coated.
- Transfer pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle with Parmesan if using, for a golden crust.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbling and lightly golden on top.
- Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to settle the flavors.
Chef’s Notes: Tips for Success
- Cheese choice: Use a quality Greek feta that’s creamy and tangy-not overly dry.
- Olive selection: Kalamata olives offer a smoky depth; however, substitute black or green olives for milder flavor.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate.Bake from chilled, adding a few extra minutes.
- Texture variation: For crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs atop before baking.
- Herbs: Fresh oregano and parsley are traditional but feel free to experiment with mint or dill for a unique spin.
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean delight pairs beautifully with a crisp, herbaceous white wine such as assyrtiko or a light rosé. for a fresh contrast, serve alongside a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. Garnish each serving with extra crumbled feta, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkling of fresh herbs to intensify the Mediterranean vibe. Warm rustic bread or pita can complete the experience,perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
For more Mediterranean culinary inspiration, check out our collection of Greek salads and appetizers. For detailed nutritional info on Mediterranean diet benefits, Medical News Today offers an excellent overview.
Q&A
Q&A: Mediterranean Delight – Greek-Style Pasta Bake with Feta & Olives
Q1: What makes this Greek-style pasta bake stand out from a traditional pasta casserole?
A1: Unlike a typical pasta bake drenched in heavy cream or rich tomato sauce, this Mediterranean-inspired dish sings with the radiant, fresh flavors of feta cheese, briny olives, sun-kissed tomatoes, and fragrant herbs like oregano and thyme. It’s a harmonious blend of tangy, salty, and savory elements that transport your taste buds straight to a greek taverna by the Aegean sea.
Q2: Why use feta cheese in a pasta bake? Won’t it melt like mozzarella?
A2: That’s the beauty of feta! While it doesn’t melt into a gooey stringy blanket like mozzarella, feta softens and crumbles, creating pockets of creamy, tangy bursts throughout the bake. Its unique texture and salty punch add depth and authenticity, making every bite delightfully Mediterranean.
Q3: Can I substitute olives or adjust them to taste?
A3: Absolutely! Olives are versatile stars in Mediterranean cooking.classic Kalamata olives bring a deep, fruity flavor with slight bitterness, but you can swap them for green olives, castelvetrano, or even omit them if you prefer. just remember, olives add a savory, salty punch that balances the richness of the cheese and tomatoes.
Q4: What kind of pasta works best for this dish?
A4: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are ideal as their ridges and tubes trap the luscious sauce, feta crumbles, and olive pieces beautifully. The result is a bake that’s bursting with flavor in every forkful and perfectly textured without becoming mushy.
Q5: Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
A5: Definitely! The Greek-style pasta bake is inherently vegetarian as it embraces plant-forward ingredients like tomatoes, olives, herbs, and cheese – no meat needed. For a vegan twist, you could experiment with plant-based feta alternatives and nutritional yeast to mimic that tangy, cheesy finish.
Q6: How can I elevate this dish beyond the basic recipe?
A6: Layer in some fire-roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sautéed spinach for extra Mediterranean flair and texture. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh basil or dill right before serving can also elevate the flavor profile and add a fragrant finish.
Q7: What wine pairs best with the Greek-style pasta bake?
A7: Opt for a crisp, refreshing white wine like Assyrtiko or a light rosé to complement the salty feta and savory olives. the bright acidity will balance the richness and enhance the greek-inspired herbs and tomato notes, turning your meal into a full mediterranean experience.
Q8: How can leftovers be stored and enjoyed?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or a sprinkle of feta to refresh the flavors. Leftover pasta bake can also be tasty cold as a Mediterranean pasta salad remix-just add fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon.
In Retrospect
As the rich aroma of sun-soaked herbs and tangy feta lingers in your kitchen, this Greek-style pasta bake invites you to savor a slice of the mediterranean lifestyle-were simple ingredients unite to create vibrant, soulful flavors. Whether shared around a bustling family table or enjoyed as a comforting solo feast, this dish is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of tradition, warmth, and culinary harmony. So next time you crave a hearty, wholesome dinner with a touch of Greek flair, let this Mediterranean delight transport your taste buds to the sunlit shores of the Aegean Sea. Opa!
