spinach & feta baked pasta

Some days call for a comforting, cozy dinner that feels a little special without requiring a lot of effort, and this spinach & feta baked pasta is exactly that kind of meal. I first made it on a quiet evening when I wanted something creamy, warm, and deeply satisfying, and it instantly became a repeat favorite. It delivers that bubbling, oven baked goodness with minimal fuss, and the reward is a dish that feels nourishing, indulgent, and perfect for sharing.

Why This Recipe Will Be Your New Favorite

This dish hits that sweet spot between comfort food and fresh, vibrant flavor. Trust me, you’re going to love this, because it is creamy without being heavy, savory without being overpowering, and simple enough for busy nights. This one’s a total game-changer when you want something baked, cheesy, and full of green goodness that still feels cozy and familiar.

Behind the Recipe

The idea for this recipe came from craving something warm and baked on a cool evening, but still wanting vegetables to shine. Spinach and feta have always felt like a comforting pair to me, reminding me of relaxed family dinners and simple oven dishes that perfume the kitchen with inviting aromas. It is the kind of recipe you make once, then keep in your back pocket for those days when you want comfort without complication.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a creamy, savory sauce that coats every piece of pasta while the spinach adds freshness and the feta brings a salty, tangy bite.

1. Penne pasta: 340 g dry penne, provides sturdy ridges that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
2. Fresh spinach: 200 g fresh spinach leaves, adds color, tenderness, and a mild earthy flavor once wilted.
3. Feta cheese: 200 g crumbled feta, delivers a tangy, salty creaminess that defines the dish.
4. Heavy cream: 240 ml heavy cream, creates a rich and velvety base for the sauce.
5. Milk: 120 ml whole milk, balances the cream and keeps the sauce smooth and pourable.
6. Garlic cloves: 3 cloves minced, infuses the dish with warm, savory aroma.
7. Olive oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil, helps sauté the garlic and spinach gently.
8. Grated mozzarella cheese: 100 g, melts into a stretchy, golden topping.
9. Salt: 1 teaspoon or to taste, enhances all the flavors.
10. Black pepper: 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground, adds gentle warmth and depth.
11. Dried oregano: 1 teaspoon, brings a subtle herbal note that complements the feta.

Time Needed to Make This Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Special Equipment You’ll Need

A few basic tools help make this recipe smooth and stress free.

Large pot: Used to cook the pasta until perfectly al dente.
Skillet: Helps sauté the garlic and wilt the spinach evenly.
Baking dish: Holds the pasta mixture and allows it to bake into a bubbly, golden finish.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for gently mixing everything without breaking the pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is straightforward and comforting to make, with each step building layers of flavor and texture.

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
3. Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook, stirring gently, until fully wilted and tender.
4. Make the sauce: Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and milk, then season with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, stirring until smooth and lightly warmed.
5. Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, followed by the crumbled feta, and gently mix until every piece is coated in creamy sauce.
6. Transfer to baking dish: Spoon the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Add the topping: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Bake until bubbly: Bake in a preheated oven at 190 C for about 25 to 30 minutes until the top is lightly golden and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
9. Rest before serving: Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce settles and thickens slightly.

Serving Suggestions & Presentation Tips

Serve this spinach & feta baked pasta straight from the oven while it is hot and bubbling. The creamy white sauce dotted with deep green spinach and golden melted cheese looks especially inviting in a white or ceramic baking dish. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for contrast, and finish with a light sprinkle of extra feta on top for a fresh, salty finish.

Extra Tips for Best Results

A few simple tips make this dish even better every time.

• Slightly undercook the pasta so it finishes perfectly tender in the oven.
• Use fresh spinach rather than frozen for better texture and brighter color.
• Taste the sauce before baking, feta is salty so adjust seasoning carefully.
• Let the dish rest briefly after baking to achieve a creamier consistency.

Variations You Can Try

You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
Add sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness and a meatier texture.
Stir in sun dried tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and deeper flavor.
Use whole wheat pasta for a heartier, nuttier bite.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Swap mozzarella for grated provolone if you want a sharper, more pronounced cheese flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

This dish is perfect for making ahead and enjoying later without losing its comforting texture. You can assemble the pasta and sauce in the baking dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

A few insider touches elevate this simple bake.
Use high quality feta for the best tangy flavor and creamy pockets throughout.
Do not overbake, as the sauce can tighten too much if left too long in the oven.
Stir gently when combining to keep the pasta intact and evenly coated.
Always season in stages to build balanced flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 520
Note: These are approximate values.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, short pasta shapes like fusilli or rigatoni work well because they hold the sauce nicely and bake evenly.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

You can, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery sauce.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Absolutely, it is completely vegetarian and still very filling and satisfying.

4. Can I make this dish lighter?

You can replace part of the heavy cream with extra milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.

5. Does feta melt completely in this recipe?

Feta softens and becomes creamy but keeps some texture, which adds character to the dish.

6. Can I add more cheese on top?

Yes, adding extra mozzarella or feta on top will make it even more indulgent.

7. How do I prevent the pasta from drying out?

Make sure there is enough sauce before baking and cover loosely with foil if it browns too quickly.

8. Can I freeze this baked pasta?

Yes, freeze it tightly wrapped for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight before reheating.

9. What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli complement the creamy flavors nicely.

10. Can I prepare this for a crowd?

Definitely, simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish.

Conclusion

This spinach & feta baked pasta is the kind of recipe that brings comfort, warmth, and big flavor to the table with very little effort. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite, and it is perfect for sharing with people you love or enjoying as leftovers the next day. I hope you give it a try and make it part of your cozy dinner rotation.

Print