A cozy pasta bake featuring feta, cranberries, sage, and golden pasta for fall gatherings.
# Ingredient List:
→ Pasta
01 - 10 oz penne or rigatoni
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
→ Sauce
06 - 1 2/3 cups tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
07 - 1/2 cup vegetable broth
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Cheese & Toppings
10 - 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled (or plant-based feta for vegan)
11 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries
12 - 1/2 cup grated mozzarella (optional)
13 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish.
02 - Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
03 - In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion in a splash of olive oil until soft, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sage, cooking for 1 more minute.
04 - Stir in tomato passata, vegetable broth, salt, and black pepper. Simmer the mixture for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
05 - In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with sauce, half the crumbled feta, half the dried cranberries, and half the mozzarella if using. Stir gently to combine.
06 - Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with the remaining feta, cranberries, and mozzarella.
07 - Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, until the dish is bubbling and golden on top.
08 - Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
