Why You Will Love This Delicious Pasta Bake

• Effortlessly Easy to Make: This recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking. The hands-on prep time is wonderfully minimal. Simply chop your vegetables, toss them with olive oil and spices, roast them to perfection, then combine with pasta and sauce, and finally, bake. It’s an ideal vegetarian recipe for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Perfect for Meal Prep and Make Ahead: Planning your meals in advance has never been easier! You can roast the vegetables and assemble the pasta bake earlier in the day, or even the day before, and store it in the refrigerator. When dinner time rolls around, all you need to do is pop it into the oven and bake. This makes it an excellent option for entertaining or for ensuring you have nutritious lunches and dinners throughout the week.
• Bursting with Vegetables: This pasta bake is a fantastic and delicious way to load up on your daily vegetable servings. We’ve packed it with colorful and nutritious produce, and you can easily customize it with any other vegetables you enjoy. Feel free to make it your own by adding spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli to boost the nutritional value and appeal to every palate. It’s a healthy, flavorful dish that truly nourishes.
• Rich Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of deeply roasted vegetables, aromatic herbs, tangy feta, and savory tomato sauce creates a classic Mediterranean profile that is both comforting and exotic. Every bite transports you to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean.
• Family-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing: This pasta bake is a guaranteed hit with both adults and children. The familiar comfort of pasta combined with the enticing flavors of roasted vegetables makes it an easy sell for even picky eaters. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family dinners or feeding a larger group.

Essential Ingredients and Flavorful Substitutions

For exact ingredient amounts and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below. 

• Pasta: While rigatoni pasta is my go-to for its ability to hold the sauce and vegetables beautifully, feel free to use any medium-sized pasta shape. Excellent alternatives include penne, ziti, or fusilli, all of which work perfectly in a baked dish. For a healthier option, consider whole wheat pasta, or a red lentil/chickpea pasta for an added protein boost.
• Vegetables: This recipe showcases a vibrant combination of red onions, red bell pepper, orange bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. The colors not only make the dish visually appealing but also offer a range of nutrients. Don’t hesitate to substitute or add other bell pepper colors like green, or incorporate other seasonal favorites such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or even broccoli florets.
• Spices: Our signature Mediterranean flavor comes from a warm and aromatic spice blend of dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, sweet paprika, and a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. These spices are expertly chosen to complement the natural sweetness of the roasted vegetables. If you don’t have all individual herbs, a good quality Italian seasoning blend can be a convenient substitute.
• Seasoning: A simple yet essential combination of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper enhances all the flavors in the pasta bake. Adjust to your personal preference.
• Tomatoes: For a robust and slightly smoky flavor, I recommend a can of diced fire-roasted tomatoes. However, regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine, and for a fresh burst of flavor, you can even toss in some halved fresh cherry tomatoes, especially when they are in season. These are combined with a can of your favorite store-bought pasta sauce or marinara sauce for a rich base.
• Cheese: The bake is generously topped with crumbled feta cheese, which provides a lovely tangy and salty contrast, and shredded mozzarella cheese for that irresistible gooey, golden-brown crust. For an extra layer of creaminess, you could also stir in some ricotta cheese into the pasta mixture before baking. Other great cheese options include Parmesan, sharp cheddar, or Monterey Jack.

How to Make This Flavorful Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake

Creating this delicious Mediterranean pasta bake is a straightforward process, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful dish:

Step 1: Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking your chosen pasta shape according to the package directions. It’s crucial to cook it only until it’s al dente – meaning firm to the bite – as it will continue to cook in the oven. While the pasta is simmering, preheat your oven to a robust 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) to ensure it’s ready for roasting.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables: On a large, non-stick baking sheet, spread out your chopped vegetables (red onion, bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant) and minced garlic. Drizzle generously with olive oil, ensuring all the vegetables are lightly coated. For optimal roasting and to prevent steaming, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary to give the vegetables ample space to caramelize.

Step 3. Season the vegetables: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, sweet paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. This blend creates the signature Mediterranean aroma. Evenly sprinkle this aromatic spice mixture over all the olive oil-coated vegetables, tossing gently to ensure every piece is well-seasoned.

Step 4. Roast the vegetables: Transfer the seasoned vegetables to the preheated oven and roast for approximately 20-25 minutes. During this time, the vegetables will soften and begin to caramelize, developing a wonderful sweetness. Be sure to stir the vegetables once halfway through the roasting process to ensure even cooking and browning. Once tender and slightly charred, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer the roasted vegetables to a large baking dish, ideally a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for the final baking stage.

Step 5: Prepare the pasta bake: To the baking dish containing the roasted vegetables, add the canned diced fire-roasted tomatoes and your chosen tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined. Next, incorporate the cooked al dente pasta, mixing gently to ensure the pasta, vegetables, and sauce are evenly distributed. Finally, generously top the entire veggie pasta bake with crumbled feta cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, preparing it for its cheesy, bubbly transformation in the oven.

Step 6: Bake the pasta: Place the baking dish into the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is beautifully melted, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges. This creates a delightful crust and ensures the flavors have fully melded together. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish generously with fresh basil and parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness.

Creative Recipe Modifications to Customize Your Bake

One of the best things about this Mediterranean Roasted Vegetable Pasta Bake is its incredible flexibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these suggestions to tailor the dish to your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand!

• Pasta Varieties: While rigatoni is fantastic, almost any medium-sized pasta will work beautifully. Consider penne, ziti, cavatappi, or even large macaroni. For a whole-grain boost, opt for whole wheat pasta. If you’re looking for higher protein content or a gluten-free option, red lentil, chickpea, or brown rice pasta are excellent choices that hold up well in a bake.
• Add More Vegetables: This recipe is a canvas for your favorite veggies! Beyond our core selection, try adding sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth, tender green beans, nutrient-rich baby spinach (stirred in at the end before baking), or even roasted broccoli florets. Seasonal vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes in the summer can also be delightful additions.
• Spice It Up or Down: The current blend of dried oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, and red pepper flakes creates a balanced Mediterranean profile. If you’re not a fan of a particular spice, simply omit it. For convenience, a good quality Italian seasoning blend can easily substitute the individual dried herbs. If you love a bit more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne. For a brighter note, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can do wonders.
• Tomato Choices: Fire-roasted tomatoes offer a deeper, slightly smoky flavor that I highly recommend. However, regular diced tomatoes are a perfectly suitable alternative. In the peak of summer, using fresh, ripe chopped tomatoes or burst cherry tomatoes can add a wonderfully fresh dimension to the sauce.
• Enhanced Tomato Sauce: I often use my favorite jarred tomato or marinara sauce for convenience. To elevate a store-bought sauce, you can sauté a little extra garlic and onion before adding it, or stir in a pinch of sugar to balance acidity. If you’re feeling ambitious and want a truly homemade touch, my Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce would be an excellent, deeply flavorful base.
• Cheese Combinations: The feta and mozzarella pairing offers a perfect balance of tang and stretch. But don’t stop there! Integrate Parmesan cheese for a nutty, umami flavor, sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy bite, or Monterey Jack for exceptional meltiness. For a richer, creamier texture, stir a dollop of ricotta cheese into the pasta and sauce mixture before topping with mozzarella and feta.
• Add Protein: To make this an even heartier meal, consider adding a cooked protein. Sautéed ground chicken or turkey, crumbled Italian sausage, or even plant-based options like cooked chickpeas or lentils would integrate seamlessly and provide an extra layer of satisfaction.