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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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