Overview

The Greek Pasta Bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines pasta with classic Greek ingredients like feta cheese, olives, and tomatoes. This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup cooked chicken or ground beef (optional)
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making the Greek Pasta Bake takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30-35 minutes for baking.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

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

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
2. Add Ingredients: Add the drained diced tomatoes, cooked chicken or ground beef (if using), Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Filling

1. Mix Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the vegetable and cheese mixture. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake

1. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Greek Pasta Bake!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Greek Pasta Bake (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	400-450
Protein	20-25g
Fat	15-20g
Carbohydrates	50-55g
Fiber	3-5g
Sugar	3-5g

Tips for Customization

• Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or artichokes for added nutrition.
• Make it Vegetarian: Omit the meat and add more vegetables or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian option.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Conclusion

The Greek Pasta Bake is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings together the flavors of Greece in a comforting casserole. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as leftovers!