Zesty Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe: A Sunny Flavor Escape

Weeknight dinners demand bold, hassle-free solutions that pack serious flavor, and this vibrant baked Mediterranean pasta delivers culinary magic in every bite.

Bursting with sun-kissed ingredients like tangy olives, robust tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, the recipe captures Mediterranean coastal charm.

Each forkful transports you through rustic Italian and Greek landscapes, blending simplicity with elegant taste.

Tender pasta nestles beneath a golden, crispy cheese crust that promises pure comfort.

Fresh herbs and rich Mediterranean spices dance through the dish, creating layers of unexpected depth.

Weeknight cooking never looked so deliciously sophisticated.

Let’s find out this Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece that turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 419 kcal

Servings: 7

Baked Mediterranean Pasta Ingredient Guide

• Rotini Pasta: Spiral-shaped pasta that perfectly captures and holds sauces, providing delightful texture and ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Artichoke Hearts, Onion, Garlic: Vibrant Mediterranean vegetables that add sweetness, depth, and a burst of fresh garden goodness to the dish.
• Kalamata Olives: Richly briny Greek olives that introduce a tangy, salty punch and authentic Mediterranean character.

• Olive Oil: High-quality, extra virgin oil that brings silky smoothness and traditional Mediterranean richness.
• Italian Seasoning: Aromatic herb blend that infuses the pasta with classic Mediterranean herbs and warmth.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate the overall taste profile.
• Parsley: Optional fresh herb that adds bright, clean finishing notes and beautiful green color.

• Bocconcini, Parmesan Cheese: Soft, milky mozzarella balls and sharp, aged Parmesan that create creamy, luxurious texture and intense cheese flavor.

What Tools You’ll Need for Baked Mediterranean Pasta

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta with plenty of room to stir.
• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing onions and creating the sauce.
• 9×13-inch casserole pan: Ideal for baking and serving the pasta dish.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping onions and fresh parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and salt levels.

Baking Instructions for Mediterranean Pasta

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to create a cozy baking environment that’ll transform your pasta into a delightful masterpiece.

• Pasta Preparation

Boil water with a splash of passion, tossing in pasta until it reaches that perfect tender-yet-firm texture that makes taste buds dance.

• Flavor Foundation

Sizzle onions and garlic in a skillet, releasing their aromatic magic and creating a base that whispers Mediterranean secrets.

• Tomato Tango

Introduce vibrant tomatoes and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, letting them mingle and soften into a rich, colorful sauce that tells a culinary story.

• Ingredient Fusion

Swirl pasta with artichokes and olives, creating a harmonious blend that captures the essence of Mediterranean coastal living.

• Cheese Crown

Nestle mozzarella pearls across the top, promising a golden, melty crown that’ll make everyone at the table swoon.

• Baking Finale

Let the oven work its magic, transforming your creation into a bubbling, aromatic dish that speaks of sunlit Mediterranean landscapes.

• Finishing Touch

Shower with fresh parsley and invite Parmesan to join the party, creating a presentation that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Tips and Add-ons for Baked Mediterranean Pasta

• Elevate Your Dish
• Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta or creamy goat cheese for an authentic Mediterranean twist that adds tangy richness to every bite.
• Toss in grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or crispy chickpeas to transform this pasta into a hearty main course that satisfies serious hunger.
• Roast zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant before mixing them into the pasta for deeper, more concentrated flavor profiles that complement Mediterranean ingredients.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or dill instead of parsley to create unique flavor layers that transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coastline.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle harissa sauce for those who love a subtle kick of heat without overwhelming the delicate vegetable and cheese balance.

Baked Mediterranean Pasta Serving Tips

• Mediterranean Feast Companion: Pair this delightful pasta with a crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese for a complete Mediterranean experience.
• Fresh Herb Explosion: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or chopped oregano over the dish right before serving to enhance the aromatic Mediterranean flavors and add vibrant green color.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Select a light and refreshing white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich tomato and cheese notes of the pasta.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled chicken or seared shrimp on the side for those wanting extra protein, creating a more substantial and satisfying meal that transforms the pasta into a complete dinner.

Smart Storing and Planning with Mediterranean Pasta

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum flavor retention and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion out individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, removing air pockets to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated pasta in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to maintain moisture. Microwave works as a quick alternative, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Smart Prep Technique: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients in advance. Store prepped components separately in sealed containers for up to 24 hours, making weeknight cooking faster and more convenient.

Rustic Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean Sunset Pasta brings together roasted vegetables, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs in a comforting one-pan dish. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) rotini pasta
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 12 oz (340 g) artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 200 g bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved
• 1 cup kalamata olives, halved
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Parmesan cheese, grated

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. Pasta Cooking: Bring salted water to a vigorous boil in a large pot. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain while reserving in the pot.
3. Flavor Base: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent and aromatic, creating a fragrant foundation for the dish.
4. Tomato Infusion: Add diced tomatoes to the skillet, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Simmer briefly to soften tomatoes and meld flavors, creating a rich sauce.
5. Ingredient Fusion: Combine cooked pasta with the tomato mixture, gently incorporating marinated artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. Ensure thorough mixing to distribute ingredients evenly.
6. Cheese and Baking: Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared casserole dish, strategically topping with fresh mozzarella balls. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden with crispy edges.
7. Finishing Touch: Allow the dish to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for additional flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente to maintain a slight firmness, preventing mushiness during baking.
• Oil Selection Matters: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor and richness.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Distribute mozzarella evenly to ensure consistent melting and golden-brown coverage.
• Resting Ritual: Allow the dish to rest after baking, letting flavors integrate and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 419
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg