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An inviting Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake with roasted tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant in a white serving dish.
Layla

Mediterranean Vegetable Pasta Bake

A vibrant and hearty pasta bake packed with roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a rich tomato-herb sauce and topped with tangy feta and melted mozzarella.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
Calories: 585

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Vegetables
  • 1 medium zucchini cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium red onion chopped
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Pasta and Sauce
  • 16 oz penne pasta or other short pasta like rigatoni
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
For Assembly
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 6 oz feta cheese crumbled, divided
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese low-moisture
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large Pot
  • Large skillet
  • Baking Sheet
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Prepare and Roast Vegetables
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a large baking sheet, combine the zucchini, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle with dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss well to coat.
  3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.
Cook Pasta and Make Sauce
  1. While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet or pot, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Bake
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta, the roasted vegetables, and the tomato sauce. Gently stir in the halved Kalamata olives and about half of the crumbled feta cheese. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
  2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
  3. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the remaining crumbled feta cheese.
  4. Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
  5. Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant (roast it with the others), artichoke hearts, or mushrooms.
Make-Ahead: You can assemble the entire pasta bake (without baking) up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.