Irresistible Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe Ready in Minutes

Baked Mediterranean pasta transports your senses to coastal landscapes with its vibrant culinary profile.

Aromatic herbs and sun-kissed ingredients dance together in a harmonious blend of Mediterranean comfort.

Culinary traditions shine through every carefully layered ingredient, creating a sensory experience beyond ordinary pasta dishes.

The recipe combines robust flavors that tell stories of seaside kitchens and family gatherings.

Seasonal vegetables and fragrant spices intermingle, promising a hearty and nutritious meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Creamy cheese and perfectly roasted elements elevate this dish from simple to spectacular.

You’ll crave these bold, Mediterranean-inspired flavors that revamp an everyday meal into a gourmet celebration.

How to Make a Baked Mediterranean Pasta the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 375°F and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside in the pot.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

• Diced tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes until tomatoes soften slightly.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Artichoke hearts
• Olives

Toss everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella balls evenly across the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese turns golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Let the dish cool for 15 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips to Make Your Mediterranean Pasta Extra Tasty

• Master Pasta Texture: Cook pasta precisely al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring each bite remains perfectly tender and holds its shape.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and garlic until golden and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a rich, robust base for the Mediterranean sauce.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Distribute mozzarella balls evenly across the surface to guarantee consistent, golden-brown melting and a beautiful, appetizing presentation.
• Herb Enhancement: Chop fresh parsley just before sprinkling to maintain maximum flavor and add a vibrant, fresh finish to the baked pasta.
• Resting Wisdom: Allow the dish to cool for 15 minutes after baking, which helps ingredients settle and makes serving easier while preventing burnt tongues.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Baked Mediterranean Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Chilled pasta maintains its delicious flavors and texture when properly contained.
• Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving to avoid scorching.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer pasta to an oven-safe dish, add a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking, and cover with aluminum foil.

Delicious Pairings for Baked Mediterranean Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tangy tomatoes and briny olives, cutting through the richness of the mozzarella.
• Mediterranean Salad Side: Create a fresh Greek salad with cucumber, feta, and red onion dressed in olive oil and lemon juice to balance the warm, hearty pasta dish.
• Crusty Bread Companion: Serve with a rustic ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the soft pasta.
• Zesty Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or basil on top to brighten the flavors and add a pop of fresh green color to the golden-baked pasta.

Creative Twists on a Mediterranean Pasta Classic

• Zesty Greek Style: Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta cheese, add roasted red peppers, and sprinkle dried oregano for an authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Seafood Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate cooked shrimp or crab meat into the pasta mixture, enhance with lemon zest and replace olives with capers for a maritime touch.
• Vegetarian Protein Boost: Substitute artichokes with roasted chickpeas, add spinach leaves, and mix in crumbled tofu for extra protein and nutritional value.
• Spicy Sicilian Kick: Introduce chopped chorizo sausage, red pepper flakes, and swap Italian seasoning with spicy paprika to create a more intense, fiery version of the dish.

What Makes Baked Mediterranean Pasta So Satisfying

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Packed with vibrant ingredients like artichokes, olives, and tomatoes, this pasta delivers an authentic taste explosion that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny coastal regions.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Wonder: With simple preparation steps and minimal cooking time, this dish comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking delicious meals without complex techniques.
• Nutritionally Balanced Comfort Food: Offering a balanced nutritional profile with moderate protein, controlled fats, and essential carbohydrates, this pasta provides satisfying nutrition while feeling indulgent and hearty.
• One-Pan Convenience Masterpiece: Streamlined cooking method transforms multiple ingredients into a single, beautiful casserole that minimizes kitchen cleanup and maximizes flavor potential with minimal effort.

Flavorful Ingredients in Baked Mediterranean Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base for Mediterranean-style dishes with a perfect al dente texture.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that create a robust aromatic base.
• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy ingredient that adds brightness and natural sweetness.
• Artichokes: Tender Mediterranean vegetable with a unique, slightly nutty flavor.
• Olives: Briny and rich ingredient that provides a classic Mediterranean taste profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright, clean garnish with vibrant green color.

• Mozzarella Balls: Creamy and melty cheese that provides a rich, stretchy topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese for additional flavor and garnish.

• Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that captures Mediterranean herb essence.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall dish flavor.

• Olive Oil: Traditional Mediterranean cooking oil with rich, smooth flavor.

Baked Mediterranean Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean pasta brings zesty herbs and rich flavors from coastal kitchens to your plate. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) rotini pasta
• 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) can artichoke hearts, drained and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 200 grams bocconcini (mozzarella balls), halved
• 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish (Optional):

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

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Carefully drop pasta into the bubbling water and cook for 6-8 minutes until it reaches a perfect al dente texture. Drain thoroughly, reserving the pasta in the pot.
3. Select a spacious skillet and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Heat over medium-high temperature until the oil shimmers. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.
4. Introduce diced tomatoes into the skillet, sprinkling with Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 1-2 minutes, letting the tomatoes soften and release their natural juices.
5. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, incorporating marinated artichoke hearts and kalamata olives. Toss carefully to ensure even distribution of ingredients and flavors.
6. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer. Strategically place fresh mozzarella balls across the surface, ensuring balanced coverage.
7. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly with slight browning around the edges.
8. Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and settle. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for additional seasoning.

Notes

• Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Mediterranean-inspired pasta that brings sunshine and flavor to your table.
• Perfectly balanced ingredients create a harmony of tangy artichokes, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella.
• Prep time is lightning-fast, making this dish ideal for busy home cooks seeking delicious yet simple meals.
• Craving a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal cleanup? This recipe has you covered.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting pepper quantities or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
• Fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese provide the perfect finishing touch to this vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg