Lighter Mediterranean Pasta Bake Recipes

MEDITERRANEAN PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180°C.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil and cook pasta according to packet instructions.
• Drain and set aside.
• In a frying pan heat the 2 tablespoons oil and stir in the onion and garlic.
• Cook for 3 minutes and stir in the remaining vegetables, chilli and seasoning.
• Cook for 3- 5 minutes until just softening.
• Add the tomato sauce (pour 1 cup water into the empty jar and then add to the pan- this will help remove any remaining sauce) and the basil and stir through the pasta along with ½ a cup of the mozzarella cheese and lemon zest, if using.
• Place in a large baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella and the Parmesan.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until cheese is golden.
• In a small bowl combine the parsley, olives and capers and scatter over the lasagne.
• Serve hot.

LIGHTER MEDITERRANEAN PASTA BAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Add to large bowl.
• In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon oil over medium-high heat. Toss chicken with Italian seasoning and salt; cook 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until juice of chicken is clear when center of thickest part is cut (at least 165°F). Transfer to bowl with pasta.
• In same skillet, heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat; add onions and zucchini. Cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in artichokes, pasta sauce and whipping cream; heat 3 to 4 minutes or until heated through.
• Carefully add sauce to bowl of pasta and chicken; stir until well combined. Spoon mixture into baking dish; top with tomatoes, olives and Parmesan cheese. Cover baking dish with foil; bake 25 minutes. Uncover; bake 10 to 15 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned.