Sunny Mediterranean Baked Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hungry souls with minimal effort.

This baked Mediterranean pasta recipe emerges as a delightful answer to your culinary cravings.

Fragrant herbs, tangy olives, and rich tomatoes dance together in a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors.

Colorful vegetables and tender pasta create a vibrant dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

Cheese melts into golden perfection, adding a creamy dimension that elevates every single bite.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-worthy meal in just one pan.

This recipe promises to become a cherished go-to that delights everyone around the table.

Everything in Baked Mediterranean Pasta

• Pasta: A classic Mediterranean-style pasta that serves as the hearty base of this delicious baked dish.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that add vibrant color and juicy flavor to the pasta.
• Bocconcini: Small, creamy mozzarella balls that create a delightful cheesy topping.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a rich, flavorful foundation for the pasta.
• Artichokes, Olives: Mediterranean ingredients that bring a tangy and briny depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil: A classic Mediterranean cooking oil that helps sauté the vegetables and add richness.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the pasta.

How to Make Mediterranean Pasta in the Oven

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 375°F.

While it’s heating, grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt to give your pasta a flavor boost from the start.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Perfection

Toss the pasta into boiling water.

Keep an eye on it and cook until it’s just right – tender but with a bit of bite.

Once done, drain and give it a quick toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its mouth-watering aroma.

Be careful not to burn the garlic – it turns bitter quickly!

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Add fresh tomatoes to the skillet.

• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir gently, letting the tomatoes soften slightly and release their juicy goodness.

Step 5: Mix Mediterranean Treasures

• Artichoke hearts
• Kalamata olives

Stir everything together in the skillet, ensuring each ingredient gets cozy with the others.

Transfer this colorful mixture to a casserole dish.

Step 6: Cheese Blanket Magic

Scatter bocconcini (small mozzarella balls) across the top of the pasta.

Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket.

For extra crispy cheese lovers, give it a quick broil in the final two minutes.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the dish to cool for 10-15 minutes.

This magical waiting period lets the flavors mingle and makes serving a breeze.

Grab a fork and dive into your Mediterranean pasta paradise!

Smart Tips for Mediterranean Baked Pasta

• Toss cooked pasta with a splash of olive oil to keep noodles separated and prevent clumping before mixing with other ingredients.
• Broil the dish for 2 minutes at the end to create golden, crispy cheese topping that adds extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Select ripe, high-quality tomatoes and fresh bocconcini for maximum flavor and authentic Mediterranean taste experience.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels gradually, remembering that olives and artichokes already contribute natural saltiness to the dish.
• If sauce seems too dry, add a small splash of pasta water or extra olive oil to maintain perfect consistency and prevent burning.

Keep and Reheat Baked Mediterranean Pasta

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor transfer.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm for 15-20 minutes. Uncover during the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

Serve Baked Mediterranean Pasta With These

• Pair with Crisp Mediterranean White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko from Greece or Vermentino from Italy to complement the pasta's tangy tomato and artichoke flavors, cutting through the richness of bocconcini cheese.
• Complement with Fresh Greek Salad: Create a side salad with cucumber, feta, red onion, and kalamata olives dressed in olive oil and oregano to echo the Mediterranean ingredients in the main dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Herbed Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty bread rubbed with garlic, drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkled with fresh herbs like parsley and basil to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural variety.
• Enhance with Chilled Tzatziki: Serve a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce on the side, made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, and dill, which provides a creamy, bright counterpoint to the warm, cheesy pasta and helps balance the dish's richness.

Mediterranean Pasta Variations to Try

• Mediterranean Pasta Veggie Swap: Replace artichokes and olives with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant for a colorful vegetable-packed version that maintains the Mediterranean essence.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Pasta: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free chickpea or brown rice pasta to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets while keeping the authentic flavor profile intact.
• Vegan Mediterranean Delight: Eliminate bocconcini and replace with nutritional yeast or vegan mozzarella, using plant-based cheese alternatives to create a dairy-free Mediterranean pasta experience.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Trade traditional pasta for spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the herb-infused sauce and vegetable components for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can swap out the pasta. Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold sauce well and create nice texture in the baked dish.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This Mediterranean pasta is completely vegetarian-friendly. It features vegetables like artichokes, olives, and tomatoes, making it a hearty meat-free meal.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the pasta mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the bocconcini right before baking to keep the cheese fresh and prevent it from getting soggy. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to baking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.

• How spicy is this Mediterranean pasta?

The recipe isn’t spicy by default. It uses Italian seasoning for flavor. If you want heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during the seasoning step.

Why People Love Baked Mediterranean Pasta

• Dive into a hassle-free pasta dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dining table with minimal cooking skills required.
• Swap ingredients, adjust cheese quantities, or add your favorite proteins to make this recipe uniquely yours, perfect for experimenting home cooks.
• Minimal dishes, simple preparation, and straightforward cooking technique make this recipe a go-to for busy families and weeknight dinner solutions.
• Packed with rich flavors of artichokes, olives, and melted cheese, this pasta bake delivers a delicious meal that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy faces.

Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Mediterranean Pasta weaves Italian and Greek flavors into a delightful culinary journey. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (453.6 grams) rotini pasta
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 200 grams bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste)

Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375°F, creating an ideal environment for the Mediterranean pasta dish. Simultaneously, bring a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil, ensuring pasta will be perfectly seasoned.
2. Cook pasta until achieving an al dente texture, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent clumping, then set aside for later integration.
3. In a large skillet, warm olive oil until it shimmers. Introduce diced onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes, then add minced garlic. Cook briefly until aromatic, being cautious not to allow garlic to burn and develop bitter undertones.
4. Incorporate fresh tomatoes into the skillet, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently stir for 1-2 minutes, allowing tomatoes to soften slightly without completely breaking down.
5. Merge pasta with artichokes and olives directly in the skillet, ensuring uniform coating and distribution of ingredients. Transfer the vibrant mixture into a prepared casserole dish.
6. Strategically arrange bocconcini across the pasta surface. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely, developing golden-brown patches. For enhanced crispiness, broil for a final 2 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning.
7. Allow the dish to rest 10-15 minutes post-baking. This resting period enables flavor melding and facilitates easier, more elegant serving.

Notes

• Customize pasta choice by using whole wheat or gluten-free options for dietary needs.
• Choose low-moisture mozzarella if you prefer less liquid in the final dish.
• Enhance Mediterranean flavors by adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano before serving.
• Reduce cooking time by using pre-roasted artichokes or jarred roasted red peppers for extra convenience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg