A delightful Mediterranean-inspired pasta bake combining creamy cheeses, fresh spinach, and aromatic herbs.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
Blanch the spinach by briefly boiling it in water, then transferring it to ice water. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
Blanching spinach preserves its vibrant color and texture.
In a blender, combine feta cheese, milk, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Blending the cheese mixture ensures a creamy consistency.
Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese mixture, blanched spinach, cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
Evenly mixing ensures every bite is flavorful.
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with grated parmesan cheese.
A generous cheese topping creates a golden crust.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Baking melds the flavors and creates a satisfying texture.
Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired pasta bake.
Garnish with fresh herbs for an aromatic touch.
