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Creamy Hearty Tomato Feta Pasta Bake | 45-Min Cozy Warm Fall Dinner

Best Creamy Hearty Tomato Feta Pasta Bake Recipe

Creamy hearty tomato feta pasta bake is a cozy fall pasta dinner ready in 45 minutes. Try this viral family pasta tonight. Discover comfort food perfection.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole Recipes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz canned tomatoes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and cook the pasta according to package directions until just al dente—about 2 minutes under the recommended time. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for the sauce.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion. Cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic to the pan and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juice and sprinkle in oregano and dried basil.
  4. Simmer this tomato mixture for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, then stir in the heavy cream and crumbled feta cheese. The creamy hearty tomato feta pasta bake sauce should become smooth and luxurious as it simmers for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. Gently fold in the fresh spinach until it wilts completely into the sauce. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Bake covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake 8-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil for brightness.