Mediterranean Penne Pasta Bake with Feta
is the perfect blend of earthy mushrooms, tangy feta cheese, and tender penne tossed in a light creamy sauce. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s a cozy Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s hearty yet balanced — ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a make-ahead meal.
⏳Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake:
250g (about 2 ½ cups) penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups mushrooms (button, cremini, or mixed), sliced
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup milk (or half milk, half cream for richness)
1 tbsp flour (to thicken sauce)
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional for topping)
½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra gooeyness)
1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook penne until al dente (1 minute less than package time).
3. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onions and sauté 2–3 minutes until soft.
3. Add mushrooms and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and moisture evaporates.
4. Add garlic and thyme, cooking another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
1. Add butter to the pan, then sprinkle flour over the mushrooms.
2. Stir for 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste.
3. Gradually whisk in milk (and cream if using), stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 3 minutes).
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Stir in half of the feta cheese — it will melt slightly into the sauce for creaminess.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
1. Add cooked pasta to the mushroom sauce, tossing well to coat.
2. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
3. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
4. Top with remaining feta, Parmesan, and mozzarella for a golden crust.
Step 5: Bake
1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and lightly browned on top.
3. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped parsley or basil.
Serve warm with a side salad or roasted veggies.
Notes & Tips
For extra Mediterranean flair: Add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or olives before baking.
Lighter version: Use low-fat milk and skip the mozzarella topping.
Vegan-friendly option: Use oat milk and vegan feta/cheese alternatives.
Make ahead: Prepare, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti all work great.
Q: Can I skip the cream?
Absolutely — the feta adds enough richness even without it.
Q: How can I add more protein?
Add grilled chicken, turkey sausage, or chickpeas before baking.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fat: 22g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 5g