Mediterranean Pasta Bake

This Mediterranean Pasta Bake combines traditional Italian flavors with a creative twist, featuring a blend of roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a hint of lemon zest. It's a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, offering a delightful balance of textures and tastes, while being vegetarian-friendly.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 zucchini, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, spinach, garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the vegetables.
4. Add the cooked pasta to the vegetable mixture and stir in the feta cheese and half of the mozzarella cheese.
5. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!