Pin it A cozy, savory-sweet pasta casserole featuring tangy feta, tart cranberries, earthy sage, and golden baked pasta perfect for fall or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or rigatoni, 1 tbsp olive oil
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 1 tbsp fresh sage finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- Sauce: 400 ml (1 2/3 cups) tomato passata or crushed tomatoes, 120 ml (1/2 cup) vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cheese & Toppings: 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese crumbled (or plant based feta for vegan), 80 g (1/2 cup) dried cranberries, 50 g (1/2 cup) grated mozzarella (optional for extra meltiness), 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions) Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 3:
- Meanwhile heat a skillet over medium heat Sauté onion in a splash of olive oil until soft (about 5 minutes) Add garlic and sage cook 1 minute more.
- Step 4:
- Stir in tomato passata vegetable broth salt and pepper Simmer 5 minutes then remove from heat.
- Step 5:
- Combine cooked pasta sauce half the feta half the cranberries and (if using) half the mozzarella in a large bowl Mix gently.
- Step 6:
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish Top with remaining feta cranberries and mozzarella.
- Step 7:
- Bake uncovered for 20 25 minutes until bubbling and golden.
- Step 8:
- Let rest 5 minutes Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pin it Required Tools
Large pot Skillet Baking dish (medium approx 2 L/2 qt) Mixing bowl Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains: Wheat (gluten) milk (dairy from feta and mozzarella) For allergies use gluten free pasta and dairy free cheese alternatives Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories: 435 Total Fat: 14 g Carbohydrates: 59 g Protein: 15 g
Pin it This pasta bake is a vibrant mix of flavors perfect for warming up chilly evenings and impressing guests at holiday dinners.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work best, but other sturdy pasta like shells or fusilli can hold the sauce well.
- → How can I make this dish vegan?
Replace feta and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives, and omit dairy ingredients for a fully vegan option.
- → What can I add for extra texture?
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking to add a delightful crunch.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- → What sides pair well with this bake?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables complement the rich and tangy flavors beautifully.