Name: Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 aubergine; 1 courgette; 1 yellow pepper; 1 red pepper; 500g pasta; 120g mature cheddar, grated; 1 tbsp olive oil; 400g tinned tomatoes; 150 ml vegetable stock; 1 onion; 2 cloves garlic, crushed; 2 tsp oregano; 1 tbsp tomato puree; 1 tsp olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, amazing textures, and an irresistible blend of Mediterranean flavors, this Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a vegetarian wonder, packed with roasted aubergine, bell peppers, courgette, and a rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey mature cheddar that crisps beautifully in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a lively crowd, this dish brings the warmth of the Mediterranean straight to your table with ingredients that are simple yet full of flavor, making every bite a comforting celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large metal baking tray filled with a single layer of roasted vegetables. There are chunks of dark purple eggplant with a slightly browned skin and creamy inside, pieces of yellow and orange bell peppers with soft, cooked textures and slightly charred edges, and slices of green zucchini with firmer, light green flesh. The vegetables are spaced out, and some have slightly browned or blackened spots from roasting. The tray sits on a white marbled surface, visible around the edges of the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering fresh and wholesome ingredients is key to nailing this Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe. Each element plays its own role to deliver a perfect balance of robust taste, texture, and color that makes this dish unforgettable.

Aubergine: Creates a rich, meaty texture and roasts to a lovely caramelized finish.
Courgette: Adds a tender bite and subtle sweetness to balance the stronger flavors.
Yellow and red peppers: Bring vibrant color and a sweet, slightly smoky flavor when roasted.
Pasta (500g): The comforting base that soaks up all the delicious sauce and vegetable juices.
Mature cheddar (120g), grated: Melts and browns perfectly on top, adding a sharp, creamy finish.
Olive oil (1 tbsp + 1 tsp): For roasting the vegetables and sautéing the sauce, lending a silky richness.
Tinned tomatoes (400g): Form the heart of the sauce, providing a deep, tangy base.
Vegetable stock (150 ml): Enhances the sauce depth without overpowering the fresh vegetable flavors.
Onion (1): Softens and sweetens the sauce when gently cooked.
Garlic (2 cloves, crushed): Adds that essential punch of aromatic warmth.
Oregano (2 tsp): Infuses the sauce with classic Mediterranean herbs, elevating each bite.
Tomato puree (1 tbsp): Deepens the tomato flavor, bringing a luscious thickness to the sauce.

How to Make Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sauce

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (180 fan, gas mark 5) so it’s hot and ready for roasting the vegetables. While the oven heats up, chop the onion finely and soften it gently in a pan over medium heat with crushed garlic and a teaspoon of olive oil. This creates a fragrant, tender base for your sauce that’s packed with aromatic goodness.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Once the onion and garlic are soft, stir in the tomato puree to caramelize slightly before adding your tinned tomatoes, vegetable stock, and oregano. Turn the heat to low and let this simmer slowly while your sauce thickens and flavors concentrate. This simmering process fills the kitchen with that classic, comforting aroma that makes you eager for the Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe.

Step 3: Chop and Roast the Vegetables

Chop the aubergine, courgette, and both peppers into roughly 7 to 8-centimeter chunks for wonderful texture after roasting. Toss them in a large bowl with a tablespoon of olive oil until they are well coated. Spread them evenly on a baking tray and roast in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the aubergine is beautifully browned and all the vegetables are softened with a little caramelization. This roasting step adds a smoky, deep flavor that’s crucial to the dish’s character.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package instructions but reduce the time by three minutes since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and immediately transfer it to a large casserole dish, creating the base layer for your Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients and Bake

Take the roasted vegetables out of the oven and reduce the temperature to 190°C (170 fan, gas mark 4). Add the roasted vegetables to the pasta, then pour the rich tomato sauce over everything. Gently stir to distribute all the components evenly. Sprinkle the grated mature cheddar across the top to create that cheesy, golden crust. Pop the whole dish back in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese crisps up nicely, signalling that your bake is ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with baked pasta. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with crispy edges, covering a mix of spiral pasta and vegetables visible below, like green zucchini and bits of red tomatoes. The pasta appears soft and coated in a creamy sauce, with some browned spots from baking. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, and you can see slight baking marks on the edges of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To bring out the best in your Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe, sprinkle freshly chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley on top just before serving. The fresh herbiness brightens every forkful and adds a color pop that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Side Dishes

This pasta bake is hearty on its own but pairs perfectly with a simple crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil or a serving of garlicky crusty bread. The fresh salad cuts through the richness while garlic bread soaks up all those leftover sauce flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta bake in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets for a personalized touch. You can also mix in a handful of pitted black olives before baking for an extra Mediterranean flair or top with a dollop of tangy Greek yogurt to add creaminess and contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually intensify after a day, making leftovers a winner for next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta bake by portioning it into freezer-safe dishes before baking or after it has cooled completely. It freezes well for up to two months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal anytime with minimal effort.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 180°C (160 fan) for about 15-20 minutes if thawed, or longer if frozen, until piping hot throughout. The cheese topping crisps up again nicely, giving you that freshly baked experience even after storage.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe?

Absolutely! While mature cheddar adds a sharp and melty topping, you can also use mozzarella for extra gooeyness or feta for a salty, tangy contrast. Feel free to mix cheeses to suit your taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe can easily be made gluten-free by choosing gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the labels of other packaged ingredients to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Can I add protein to this vegetarian dish?

Yes! You can add plant-based proteins such as cooked chickpeas or lentils to boost the protein content while keeping it vegetarian. Alternatively, shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked sausage can turn it into a hearty non-vegetarian meal.

What can I do if I don’t have all the vegetables listed?

Don’t worry if you’re missing one or two veggies. This recipe is very forgiving, and you can swap with similar options like zucchini for courgette or orange pepper instead of yellow. Just make sure to roast them well!

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead to save time. Storing it in the fridge overnight lets the flavors meld beautifully, making your Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe even more flavorful when you bake it.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a joyful gathering of fresh ingredients brought together into one delicious, heartwarming dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to become a cherished staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch your love for vibrant, wholesome cooking grow with every cheesy, roasted bite.