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- 8 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice) - 1 cup spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil leaves for garnish For the Roasted Red Pepper Feta Pasta Bake, I love to use fresh ingredients. The penne pasta serves as a perfect base, holding the sauce well. Roasted red peppers add a sweet, smoky flavor. Feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy note that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes. The garlic gives a nice punch, while the spinach adds color and nutrition. Dried oregano brings a bit of earthiness, and red pepper flakes can add just the right touch of heat if you like spice. I always keep olive oil on hand; it helps bind the ingredients and adds richness. Finally, I sprinkle mozzarella on top for that gooey, delicious finish. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Fresh basil leaves make for a lovely garnish. They elevate the dish and add freshness. This dish is not only tasty but also easy to make, and it uses ingredients you can find in your kitchen. You can enjoy a flavorful meal that impresses everyone! Set your oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). This step warms the oven, so your pasta bake cooks evenly. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped roasted red peppers, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like spice. Toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until combined. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together. You want to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce without breaking it. Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure it cooks well. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You want the cheese to melt and bubble, with the edges turning slightly golden. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your delicious roasted red pepper feta pasta bake! To cook penne pasta just right, follow these steps: - Use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta move freely. - Add salt to the boiling water. It enhances the pasta's flavor. - Cook the penne until it is al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. - Taste the pasta a minute before the time is up. This ensures you catch the perfect texture. - Drain the pasta in a colander but do not rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps the sauce stick. When mixing the pasta and sauce, do this: - Use a large mixing bowl to avoid spills. - Add the drained pasta to the sauce mixture while it's still warm. This helps the flavors meld. - Gently fold the pasta into the sauce. Use a spatula or wooden spoon. - Avoid stirring too hard. This keeps the pasta intact and prevents it from breaking. You can switch up the cheese for new flavors: - Try goat cheese for a tangy twist. - Use ricotta for a creamier texture. - Mix in some sharp cheddar for added depth. - Experiment with a blend of cheeses for a more complex taste. These tips will help you make the most of your roasted red pepper feta pasta bake! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish more colorful and nutritious. Add chopped zucchini or bell peppers to the sauce. Both add a nice crunch and flavor. You can also toss in some mushrooms for earthiness. Just sauté them a bit before mixing in. Spinach is already in the recipe, but feel free to add other greens like kale. They will blend well with the roasted red peppers and feta. Want to make it heartier? Add some protein! You can mix in cooked chicken or shrimp. For chicken, use grilled or rotisserie for ease. Simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and fold it into the sauce. If you prefer shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until they turn pink. Then, add them to the pasta mixture. Both options will give the dish a delicious twist. If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the penne pasta. There are many gluten-free pasta brands available. Look for ones made from brown rice or chickpeas. They work great in this recipe. Just cook them according to the package instructions. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal without worrying about gluten. To keep your roasted red pepper feta pasta bake fresh, let it cool first. Store leftovers in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you notice any moisture, place a paper towel inside the container. This helps absorb extra liquid. You can reheat the pasta bake easily. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pasta in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes or until warm. If you want to use the microwave, place it in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts of 1 to 2 minutes. Stir it in between to avoid dry spots. Freezing your pasta bake is simple. After it cools, cut it into portions. Wrap each piece tightly with plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce as normal. Mix them together and place them in the baking dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. You can make it a day in advance. When you are ready to bake, remove the wrap and bake it straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through. Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you like. Fusilli, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta work well. Each shape holds the sauce differently, giving you a unique twist. Just make sure to cook the pasta until it is al dente, so it won't be mushy after baking. To add more heat, you can increase the red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you want a smoky flavor, try adding a bit of smoked paprika. Adjusting spices allows you to create your ideal heat level. This recipe for baked penne pasta is simple and fun to make. You learned about the key ingredients like penne, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking and baking. You also discovered tips for perfect pasta and tasty variations. You can easily customize this dish to suit your taste. Remember these storage tips to enjoy leftovers later. Try this recipe, and you'll see how easy and delicious it is to create a satisfying meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Roasted Red Pepper Feta Pasta Bake

Savor the flavors of this Roasted Red Pepper Feta Pasta Bake that's sure to impress! With a creamy blend of roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes, this dish is simple to make and perfect for dinner. Just mix, bake, and enjoy a cheesy delight topped with fresh basil. Click through for the full recipe and discover how easy it is to create a delicious meal that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces penne pasta

1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

1 cup spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine chopped roasted red peppers, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), chopped spinach, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

        Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated with the sauce.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13 inch (or equivalent size) baking dish and spread it out evenly.

            Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta bake.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6