Greek Pasta Bake at the Table

This Greek Pasta Bake, bursting with the flavor of bright tomatoes, briny olives, tangy feta, and classic seasonings, will have you thinking you’re on the shores of the Mediterranean in summer! It’s a simple recipe that’s sure to be a family go-to and one you can easily make dairy-free or gluten-free.

What are Kalamata olives

You may associate all olives with Greece and the Mediterranean, and you’d be mostly right to do so — they are very common in those regions! There are a few things that make Kalamata olives stand out from green olives and black olives (though they are part of the black olive family).

The first is that kalamata olives are from the Kalamata region of Greece, whereas regular black olives can be found in other locales as well. They’re much larger and more purplish in color than regular black olives and have a different taste as well. Kalamata olives are somewhat milder and more fruity than black olives, but with the traditional sharpness of olives as well. They’re reliable for this recipe as they bring their sweetness to the pasta bake!

overhead baking dish with tomatoes and olives

Is Greek pasta bake healthy?

This recipe packs in tons of nutrients with so many veggies and fresh seasonings! Olives are super rich in antioxidants, and very good for you, and they form the basis of this recipe. In addition, we’ve got tomatoes, red onion, and olive oil, all of which have their own health benefits.

Of course, everything in moderation, right? But we really think this pasta is great for you! In addition, the vegetables are baked rather than fried or some other preparation that would cause them to lose their nutritional value.

overhead of sauce with roasted tomatoes and olives

Why we love Greek pasta bake

This is such a super-tasty, nutritious meal that also tastes absolutely divine, which is why we love it so much! It’s packed with tasty vegetables and has a distinct Mediterranean flavor — no matter where in the world you are, one bite and you’ll feel transported to the edge of the sea, a gentle breeze wafting around you.

We really love the way the vegetables burst with flavor and the feta cheese really brings it all in. All in all, this is one of those simple, simple meals that we will absolutely return to whenever we can!

overhead of pasta in a baking dish with olives and tomatoes

How to make Greek pasta bake

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In an 11×7 baking dish, add tomatoes, green manzanilla olives, kalamata olives, onion, olive oil, marinara, salt, oregano, thyme, and garlic.
Toss everything together to make sure everything is combined.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes.
While the sauce bakes, boil pasta in salted water, approximately 9-10 minutes or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
Remove the sauce from the oven, tomatoes should be blistered, mix together with the cooked pasta, stirring well so the sauce covers all the pasta. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
Garnish with feta cheese crumbles and fresh Italian parsley or cilantro!
Enjoy!

overhead plated greek pasta bake with a fork

How to make Greek pasta bake dairy-free or gluten-free

If you have a need for dairy-free meals, this is honestly ideal, because the only dairy in it is in the feta we use to top it! Simply skip that step and you’ve got a tasty, dairy-free meal ready to go, still packed with flavor and nutrients.

If you’d also like to make this gluten-free, swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free brand.

This Greek Pasta Bake will also pair beautifully with our Whipped Feta Baked Chicken and the Green Goddess Salad.

Common Questions about Greek Pasta Bake

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely! Incorporating grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even chickpeas can boost the dish’s nutritional value and make it more filling. Simply add your chosen protein to the pasta and sauce mixture before the final bake.

How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?

This dish is naturally vegetarian if you omit any meat additions. To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip the cheese altogether. Also, make sure that your marinara sauce is also free from animal products.

Can I add other vegetables to this bake?

Definitely! Incorporating vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach can add more color and nutrients! Sauté the veggies briefly before mixing them into the pasta and sauce so that they’re tender.

What cheeses are commonly used in Greek Pasta Bake?

Feta cheese is our go-to choice because of its tangy flavor, but mozzarella or a blend of both can also be used for a creamier texture.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 8 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 45 mins
Total: 55 mins

This simple pasta sauce is made in a baking dish with Greek flavors. We toss in spirali pasta and top with feta cheese for a simple and tasty dinner! Email

Ingredients

16 ounces cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup kalamata olives
3/4 cup manzanilla olives
1/2 cup chopped red onion
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 cup good quality marinara sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon thyme
3 cloves chopped garlic
16 ounces spirali pasta

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a 11×7 baking dish, add tomatoes, green manzanilla olives, kalamata olives, onion, olive oil, marinara, salt, oregano, thyme, and garlic.16 ounces cherry tomatoes, 3/4 cup kalamata olives, 3/4 cup manzanilla olives, 1/2 cup chopped red onion, 3 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 cup good quality marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon thyme, 3 cloves chopped garlic
Toss everything together to make sure everything is combined.
Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes.
While the sauce bakes, boil pasta in salted water, approximately 9-10 minutes or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water.16 ounces spirali pasta
Remove the sauce from the oven, tomatoes should be blistered, mix together with the cooked pasta, stirring well so the sauce covers all the pasta. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
Garnish with feta cheese crumbles and fresh Italian parsley or cilantro!
Enjoy!