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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ingredient Fusion: Combine cooked pasta with the tomato mixture, gently incorporating marinated artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. Ensure thorough mixing to distribute ingredients evenly.
- 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.
- 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