Pin this 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 this 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 this This pasta bake combines sweet and savory flavors for a hearty meal perfect for cozy nights.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal due to their shape, which holds the sauce and toppings well during baking.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute feta and mozzarella with plant-based alternatives to keep the tang and creaminess while making it vegan-friendly.
- → How can I add crunch to the bake?
Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking for a delightful crunchy texture contrast.
- → Is fresh sage necessary?
Fresh sage provides a more vibrant earthy note, but dried sage can be used as a convenient substitute.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking to enjoy fresh flavors with less preparation on serving day.
- → What side dishes complement this pasta bake?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully, balancing the bake’s rich and tangy profile.